Trent Schneider, Threatening Public Officials, Illinois 2026

CHICAGO – A suburban Chicago man is facing serious time after a federal jury found him guilty of threatening to kill multiple public officials, including former President Donald J. Trump. Trent Schneider, 58, of Winthrop Harbor, Ill., unleashed a venomous tirade online and in a courthouse, authorities say, and now faces a potential five-year federal prison sentence.

The conviction stems from an October 21, 2025, Instagram video where Schneider ranted about perceived injustices suffered at the hands of judges, doctors, lawyers, and police. According to court records, Schneider stated, “People like me have suffered real [expletive] crimes… They all should be killed. All of them should be executed… I’m going to get some guns… I am going to take care of business myself.” He specifically named Trump, declaring he “should be executed.” The post included a disclaimer – “THIS IS NOT A THREAT!!!” – a transparent attempt to mask the clear intent, prosecutors argued.

But the online outburst wasn’t enough. On the same day, Schneider escalated his threats in person, appearing at the Lake County, Ill. courthouse where his foreclosure case was pending. There, he reportedly told the presiding judge he would burn the courthouse to the ground. This dual-pronged threat – online and in-person – sealed his fate with the jury, which deliberated for three days before reaching a guilty verdict.

U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros minced no words following the conviction. “Let this conviction send a clear message that it is never acceptable to threaten a political figure or a member of the judiciary,” he stated. “Political violence is not only intolerable, but it is a serious crime.” The U.S. Attorney's office, working alongside the U.S. Secret Service and local law enforcement, vowed to pursue such threats to the fullest extent of the law.

Dai Tran, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Chicago Field Office, emphasized the seriousness of threats against the President. “Threats of political violence are not a joke,” Tran said. “They are a Federal crime. The U.S. Secret Service vigorously pursues all threats to harm the President of the United States.” The investigation involved assistance from the Lake County, Ill. Sheriff’s Office and the Winthrop Harbor, Ill. Police Department.

Schneider was convicted of making a true threat in interstate commerce to injure a person. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hanna Helwig and Paige Nutini are prosecuting the case. While Schneider’s motivation appears rooted in personal grievances related to his impending foreclosure, federal authorities are sending a stark warning: threats against public officials will be met with swift and decisive action.

Source: https://www.secretservice.gov/newsroom/releases/2026/03/federal-jury-convicts-suburban-chicago-man-threatening-kill-federal-and-0