A Los Angeles podcaster was arrested after prosecutors accused him of threatening to kill President Donald Trump.
Benjamin Azariah Southworth, 40, was arrested Thursday morning at his apartment in the Westlake area of Los Angeles. Prosecutors also accused him of harassing members of the family of Trump’s personal attorney.
What Happened?
Federal prosecutors say Southworth made threats against President Trump on social media.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment against him on Wednesday. Southworth was arrested Thursday morning.
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Southworth faces three federal charges:
- Threatening the president
- Cyberstalking
- Harassing phone calls across state lines
Prosecutors say the alleged activity happened between January and May 2026.
They say Southworth used YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and a website to post messages about Trump and his supporters.
Some of those posts allegedly included threats against the president.
Latest Updates
Southworth was arrested at his Los Angeles apartment on Thursday morning.
He was expected to appear in federal court in downtown Los Angeles later that day.
The case is being handled by federal prosecutors in California.
Officials say threats against the president are taken seriously. They also warned that people who make threats online can face criminal charges.
Prosecutors also accuse Southworth of harassing members of Trump’s personal attorney’s family.
Prosecutors say Southworth posted the attorney’s home address and photos online. They also say he later sent abusive messages and made phone calls involving the attorney’s family.
What We Know about Benjamin Azariah Southworth
According to the indictment, Southworth allegedly posted a video on Instagram on April 7.
Prosecutors say the video included threats against President Trump.
They also say Southworth posted information about a person described in the indictment as Trump’s personal attorney.
The post allegedly included the person’s home address and photos of the person and the person’s home.
Prosecutors say Southworth later sent abusive messages to the attorney’s son. They also accuse him of making harassing calls to the attorney’s wife.
Southworth is a podcaster and former television host. He previously hosted a program called “The Remix.” He also hosts the “Yass, Jesus!” podcast, according to the Los Angeles Times.
It is important to note that these are allegations. Southworth has been charged, but he has not been found guilty.
Background of Benjamin Azariah Southworth
The case comes as federal officials continue to investigate threats against political figures.
Threatening the president is a federal crime.
The Justice Department has said it will take threats of political violence seriously.
Southworth’s case is now moving through the federal court system in Los Angeles.
If he is convicted, he could face prison time.
Prosecutors say the charge involving threats against the president could carry a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.
The cyberstalking charge also carries a maximum possible sentence of five years.
The phone harassment charge could carry a maximum of two years.
These are the maximum penalties listed for the charges. The final outcome and any sentence would depend on the court case.
What Happens Next?
Southworth will have to go through the federal court process.
He is expected to have more court hearings as the case moves forward.
Prosecutors will present their case, while Southworth and his lawyers will have a chance to respond to the charges.
More details could become public during the court proceedings.
For now, Southworth is presumed innocent unless he is proven guilty in court.
FAQ: Benjamin Azariah Southworth
Who is Benjamin Azariah Southworth?
Benjamin Azariah Southworth is a 40-year-old podcaster and former television host who lives in Los Angeles.
Why was Benjamin Azariah Southworth arrested?
Federal prosecutors accused him of threatening President Donald Trump. He also faces charges related to cyberstalking and harassing phone calls.
Where was Southworth arrested?
He was arrested Thursday morning at his apartment in the Westlake area of Los Angeles.
Has Southworth been found guilty?
No. Southworth has been charged and indicted, but he has not been found guilty. The allegations will be handled in federal court.
Sources / Official References
This report is based on information from federal prosecutors, the U.S. Department of Justice, ABC7 Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Times.
Editor’s Note: The charges against Benjamin Azariah Southworth are allegations. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
