RALEIGH, N.C. – Federal agents and local deputies have locked up Zachary Charles Newell for a chilling social media threat to ‘shoot up a black preschool,’ according to a U.S. Attorney’s Office statement.
Newell was nabbed on Monday, September 1, 2025, in Carteret County, North Carolina, after authorities traced the menacing comments back to his YouTube account under the name ‘CommentatorsHateMe’.
‘The defendant’s alleged threats deeply disturb us as federal law enforcement agents and have no place in our society,’ declared U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. ‘We will meet this evil with the full force of the federal law enforcement apparatus.’
The FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge, James C. Barnacle Jr., echoed the sentiment, commending the Carteret County Sheriff’s Office for swift action and expressing gratitude to the U.S. Attorney’s Office Eastern District of North Carolina for securing federal charges.
Court documents reveal Newell’s alleged spree began on August 26, 2025, when he posted threats against public YouTube channels discussing a wrestling match involving Raja Jackson. One entry chillingly stated: ‘I’m gonna shoot up a black preschool. 20 black babies will be shot.’ Additional racist and violent threats were also leveled at Black individuals.
If convicted of making vile threats, Newell could face up to five years in federal prison. The FBI is currently investigating the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Blondel handling the prosecution. Related court documents are available on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina website or through PACER by searching for Case No.4:25-MJ-01076.
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Key Facts
- State: North Carolina
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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