FBI arrests Los Angeles man over threats to Trump, high-profile lawyer

The FBI on Thursday arrested Benjamin Azariah Southworth, 40, of Los Angeles, after a federal grand jury indicted him on three counts related to threats of violence toward President Donald Trump and his lawyer. Southworth faces one count of threats against the president, one count of cyberstalking, and one count of harassing telephone calls in interstate communications, according to the Justice Department. He is considered legally innocent until proven guilty in court.

Southworth is accused of using his social media accounts and a website over the past few months to encourage violence. He allegedly called for Trump’s execution several times. He also posted the address of an attorney who had been Trump’s personal lawyer, that person’s photo, a photo of his home, and a message reading, “No peace for traitors,” according to the Justice Department. FBI Director Kash Patel identified the lawyer as Jay Sekulow. Southworth is also accused of leaving harassing messages and voicemails for two of Sekulow’s family members.

Southworth formerly co-hosted the Yass, Jesus! podcast from 2020 to 2024. The podcast’s description said it was an “interfaith and sexuality affirming comedy podcast” and that the hosts believed “you don’t have to pick between gay and God.” Before the podcast, Southworth hosted a Christian show, The Remix, on the Trinity Broadcasting Network.

What sentence would Southworth face if convicted? He could spend up to five years in federal prison for threatening Trump’s life, along with a maximum sentence of five years for cyberstalking and two years for harassment via the telephone. The Secret Service and the FBI are both involved in the investigation, according to the Justice Department.