Table of Contents
Why Did Federal Officials Arrest a Los Angeles Podcaster?
They acted on a grand jury indictment that alleges threats against President Trump and a campaign of cyberstalking aimed at a presidential lawyer and that lawyer’s family. Benjamin Azariah Southworth, 40, was arrested in Los Angeles on September 3, 2026. Prosecutors bundled the threats with cyberstalking harm to people around Trump.
Federal Charges After the Grand Jury Indictment
The indictment charges Southworth with one count of threats against the President, one count of cyberstalking, and one count of harassing telephone calls in interstate communications. Agents took him into custody at a Westlake apartment.
Attorney General Todd Blanche said the Department of Justice will respond to escalating threats with the full force of the law and that people who publish violent statements online will not be allowed to hide behind a screen. First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli said there is zero tolerance for political violence directed at the President and that threatening an elected official is a serious offense that brings arrest and charges.
Alleged Videos, Address Posts, and Family Harassment
Prosecutors say that from January 2026 to May 2026, Southworth used YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and a website to encourage abuse of the President. They cite an April 7 Instagram video in which the speaker said he had been vocal in calling for the execution of Donald Trump and that the government was illegitimate, then called for the President to be killed.
The office further alleges that a TikTok post listed the home address of Victim 1, an attorney who had served as personal counsel to Trump, along with photographs of the attorney and the residence and the line “No peace for traitors.” From January through May, abusive messages and voicemails allegedly went to Victim 2, the son, and harassing interstate calls went to Victim 3, the wife. Those claims remain allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Deterrence, Security Risk, and Statutory Penalties
Federal policy is explicit. A pattern of cyberstalking joined to a call to kill the head of state is charged so that a completed attack never follows. Officials present people who take that path as unhinged and dangerous to public order. The case against Southworth is framed as a public example of what the law does when threats are aimed at Trump and a private household is then targeted.
If convicted on every count, statutory maxima reach five years in federal prison for the presidential count, five years for cyberstalking, and two years for telephonic harassment. The Secret Service and the FBI are investigating. The Department of Justice draws a simple line. Political speech remains lawful. Assassination talk joined to doxxing and telephone harassment is treated as a felony risk that must be stopped. That is why federal officials moved against Southworth.
Read more: https://morsereport.com/a/news/man-with-loaded-gun-and-arsenal-arrested-at-trump-golf-club-before-fundraiser
Republic Trucker Hat - Navy / White
$45.00
SHIPPING FOREWORD: Because all Morse Report products are 100% sourced and manufactured inside of the United States of America at the highest standard of excellence, shipping fulfillment can take anywhere from 5 - 14 days, depending on conditions. THANK YOU!… read more
FAQs
Why Did Federal Officials Arrest a Los Angeles Podcaster?
They acted on a grand jury indictment that alleges threats against President Trump and a campaign of cyberstalking aimed at a presidential lawyer and that lawyer’s family. Benjamin Azariah Southworth, 40, was arrested in Los Angeles on September 3, 2026. Prosecutors bundled the threats with cyberstalking harm to people around Trump.
