LA podcaster Azariah Southworth arrested over alleged Trump assassination threats

LOS ANGELES - Former Christian television host and Los Angeles podcaster Benjamin Azariah Southworth was taken into federal custody Thursday morning at his Westlake home following a federal grand jury indictment. 

The 40-year-old faces three felony counts after allegedly using his online platforms to incite political violence, broadcast death threats against President Donald Trump, and wage an aggressive campaign of cyberstalking against the president's personal attorney and family.

What we know:

A grand jury returned a three-count federal indictment charging Southworth with threats against the president, cyberstalking, and harassing telephone calls in interstate communications. 

According to court documents, Southworth used platforms including YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and a personal website from early 2026 through May to express hatred toward the president and his supporters while encouraging public abuse and political violence.

Specific evidence cited by federal prosecutors includes an April 7 Instagram video in which Southworth stated, "I have been vocal in calling for the execution of Donald Trump," and added, "This government is illegitimate and out of control. It's time for course correction. Kill Donald Trump." 

Charging documents also reference January text messages expressing a desire to see the president dead and stating he would not waste an opportunity to kill him.

In addition to targeting the president, Southworth allegedly conducted a targeted harassment campaign against the family of Trump's personal lawyer. 

Prosecutors contend Southworth published the attorney's home address, telephone numbers, a photograph of the lawyer, and a photograph of the home on TikTok alongside the message, "No peace for traitors." 

Between January 2026 and May 2026, he allegedly left abusive online messages and voicemails for the lawyer's son, warning that "Justice comes to your door," and placed harassing calls to the lawyer's wife.

If convicted on all charges, Southworth faces a maximum statutory penalty of 12 years in federal prison, consisting of up to five years for threatening the president, five years for cyberstalking, and two years for telephonic harassment.

What we don't know:

It's unknown how Southworth intends to plead to the three federal counts outlined in the indictment. 

Federal authorities have not stated whether any weapons, digital storage devices, or physical evidence were recovered during the execution of his arrest at the Westlake apartment.

Court records have not yet confirmed the final long-term schedule beyond his preliminary proceedings.

What they're saying:

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli emphasized the government's stance on political intimidation following the arrest. 

"We've seen multiple assassination attempts made on the life of the President. This is serious business, again whether it's the President, or a member of Congress, or anybody in elected office, it's not acceptable and we're not going to tolerate that kind of conduct," said First Assistant U.S. Attorney, Bill Essayli.

In a separate statement posted on X, Essayli detailed the allegations and reiterated the commitment of federal law enforcement. 

"Southworth is charged with posting videos calling for President Trump's assassination, then targeted the family of the president's personal attorney by publishing their home address and phone numbers, and leaving voicemails threatening 'Justice comes to your door,'" Essayli posted.

"Threats against the president of the United States are federal crimes. We will not tolerate threats of political violence in the United States. My office will prosecute anyone who crosses that line to the fullest extent of the law."

Attorney General Todd Blanche also issued an official statement addressing the charges. 

"As threats against President Trump's life escalate, the Department of Justice will respond with the full force of the law," Blanche said. "We will hold perpetrators of violent threats accountable, and anyone who makes these threats online will not be allowed to hide behind their screens."

What's next:

Southworth is scheduled to appear Thursday afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles for his arraignment. 

During this initial hearing, the federal court will determine his legal representation, address whether he will be granted pretrial release or held in detention, and formalize future court dates for trial proceedings.

Crime and Public SafetyDonald J. TrumpLos AngelesWestlakeCalifornia PoliticsPoliticsCaliforniaInstastories