Federal agents arrested Azariah Southworth, 40, at his home in Westlake, Los Angeles, on charges of threatening to kill President Donald Trump and cyberstalking a lawyer who worked for Trump, along with the lawyer's family. Southworth, a podcaster and social media personality, surrendered to FBI agents without incident.
According to court documents, Southworth used his online platforms to express animosity toward Trump and his supporters. Prosecutors allege that on April 7, Southworth posted a video on Instagram stating, "I have been vocal in calling for the execution of Donald Trump" and "Kill Donald Trump." He is also accused of making similar statements in private conversations, including a January text message exchange where he wrote, "But if I could Kill him, I wouldn’t waste the opportunity."
Between January and May, Southworth allegedly used his social media accounts to encourage violence against the president. In one March video, he called for Trump's death, stating, "Kill Donald Trump. Kill that mother—–g pedophile in the White House. Kill that traitor of the United States Constitution." In April, he posted a video depicting him simulating stabbing Trump in the Oval Office.
Prosecutors assert that Southworth made these statements knowingly and willfully, with the intent to be taken seriously. He also allegedly targeted a lawyer associated with Trump, posting the lawyer's home address and a photograph of the residence in April on TikTok, accompanied by the phrase "No peace for traitors."
Further allegations include Southworth texting the lawyer's son in February, accusing him and his family of defending pedophiles and child traffickers. He is also accused of posting the personal phone numbers of the lawyer's son and family members on Instagram later that month, encouraging followers to insult them. Prosecutors claim Southworth called the lawyer and his family at least 13 times around that period, hurling insults and issuing veiled threats.
FBI Special Agent Armando Marquez stated that the U.S. Secret Service "has zero tolerance for threats against the President of the United States." Southworth's website reportedly still sells merchandise featuring the phrase "Kill Donald Trump," and he refers to himself as an "artivist."
Southworth, who formerly co-hosted the podcast "Yass, Jesus!" which aims to explore LGBTQ+ narratives in the Bible, faces charges of one count of threats against the president, one count of cyberstalking, and one count of harassing telephone calls in interstate communications. He could face up to 12 years in federal prison if convicted on all counts.