LGBT Podcaster Arrested for Alleged Threats Against President Trump

<p>Benjamin Azariah Southworth, a 40-year-old LGBT podcaster and former host of a Christian reality television show, was arrested by federal agents in Los Angeles on September 3, 2026, for allegedly threatening to kill President Donald Trump. The arrest followed an indictment by a grand jury on charges of cyberstalking, making harassing interstate calls, and threatening the President, as announced by First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli.</p><p>According to Essayli, Southworth led a harassment campaign against the family of one of Trump's personal attorneys. Southworth is accused of posting videos that called for Trump's assassination and of doxxing the attorney's family by revealing their home address and phone numbers, as well as leaving threatening voicemails.</p><p>Essayli stated, "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." On Southworth's website, "Holy Menace," he reportedly sells stickers that say "Kill Trump." </p><p>During his arrest, Southworth allegedly shouted, "Donald Trump is a pedophile. The country has fallen!" as reported by the New York Post, which had a photographer present at the scene. Court documents indicate that on April 7, 2026, Southworth posted a video on Instagram containing threats against Trump, stating, "I have been vocal in calling for the execution of Donald Trump. This government is illegitimate and out of control. It’s time for course correction. Kill Donald Trump." The documents reportedly include multiple examples of threatening comments made by Southworth, though they are not publicly available.</p><p>White House spokesperson Davis Ingle condemned any engagement in political violence, stating, "Anyone who engages in or endorses political violence or assassination culture must be condemned in the harshest terms possible." Ingle also suggested that such individuals should seek psychiatric help.</p><p>Southworth previously hosted the Christian reality TV show "The Remix," which aired on major Christian networks and featured Christian musicians. He came out as gay in 2008 and was the opening act for gay Christian singer Ray Boltz in 2010. In 2020, he launched a podcast titled "Yass, Jesus!" which is described as an interfaith and sexuality-affirming comedy podcast. He cohosts the show with actor Daniel Franzese.</p><p>Southworth could not be immediately reached for comment.</p>