Federal agents, with support from local law enforcement, have arrested Zachary Charles Newell of Carteret County on a federal criminal complaint after he allegedly made threats to “shoot up a black pre school” through social media posts. The arrest took place on Monday, September 1, 2025.
U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle commented on the case: “The defendant’s alleged threats deeply disturb us as federal law enforcement agents and have no place in our society, certainly not in Eastern North Carolina. We will meet this evil with the full force of the federal law enforcement apparatus. We will not tolerate using the internet to spread fear or target communities, especially innocent children, with heinous threats of violence.”
James C. Barnacle Jr., FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina, also addressed the situation: “Every child in North Carolina deserves go to school without fear. Your FBI will work with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to investigate threats directed at schools. This federal charge should be a warning to anyone who believes they can sit behind a keyboard and make violent threats, anonymously. FBI Charlotte commends the Carteret County Sheriff’s Office for taking immediate action to make an arrest. And we are grateful to our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office Eastern District of North Carolina to levy federal charges as well.”
Court documents indicate that Google notified the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center on August 31 about threatening comments posted by YouTube user “CommentatorsHateMe.” Investigators identified Newell as the account holder.
On August 26 and 27, Newell allegedly posted threats targeting public YouTube channels discussing a wrestling match involving Raja Jackson. One post stated: “I’m gonna shoot up a black pre school. 20 black babies will be shot.” Additional racist threats promoting violence against Black individuals were also reported.
If convicted on these charges, Newell could face up to five years in federal prison.
Ellis Boyle announced that Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Blondel is prosecuting the case and that it is being investigated by the FBI.
Information related to court proceedings can be found through the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or via PACER by searching Case No.4:25-MJ-01076.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation; under law, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
