FBI Director Kash Patel announced that federal agents successfully prevented a potential massacre targeting Black preschool children after a 25-year-old North Carolina man posted violent threats on YouTube.
Story Highlights
- Zachary Charles Newell arrested for posting racially motivated threats against 20 Black preschool children on YouTube
- FBI and local authorities prevented potential tragedy through swift coordination after Google reported the threats
- Director Patel condemned the threats as “unacceptable acts of cowardice” while praising law enforcement response
- Federal charges filed against Newport man who used username “CommentatorsHateMe” for his violent posts
Swift Federal Response Prevents Tragedy
Zachary Charles Newell, 25, of Newport, North Carolina, faces federal charges after posting explicit threats on YouTube targeting Black preschool children. On August 26 and 27, 2025, Newell allegedly used the username “CommentatorsHateMe” to post racially motivated threats, including his stated intention to “shoot up” a preschool and harm 20 Black children. Google reported the threats to the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center on August 31, leading to Newell’s arrest by the Carteret County Sheriff’s Office on September 1.
Director Patel Condemns Hate-Fueled Violence
FBI Director Kash Patel praised the rapid response that prevented potential violence against innocent children. Patel characterized the threats as “unacceptable acts of cowardice” and emphasized the agency’s unwavering commitment to protecting America’s most vulnerable citizens. The FBI’s National Threat Operations Center demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated federal-local law enforcement partnerships in addressing credible threats before they materialize into actual violence.
Federal Charges Filed in Eastern District
Federal prosecutors filed charges against Newell in the Eastern District of North Carolina on September 2, 2025, upgrading from initial state-level charges. The suspect faces federal charges of interstate threat to kidnap or injure, reflecting the serious nature of his alleged crimes. Authorities executed a search warrant at Newell’s residence and confirmed there is no ongoing threat to local schools or the community.
Community Safety Assured Through Vigilance
Carteret County Sheriff Asa Buck condemned the threats as “violent, hateful and shocking to the conscience” while assuring parents and community members of continued vigilance. The incident highlights the critical role of tech companies in reporting credible threats and the importance of rapid law enforcement response to prevent hate-motivated violence. Officials emphasize that the swift action demonstrates the effectiveness of modern threat assessment protocols in protecting children from racially motivated attacks.
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 4, 2025
This case represents the kind of proactive law enforcement that Americans expect from the Trump administration’s reformed FBI under Director Patel’s leadership. The successful prevention of this potential tragedy showcases how proper coordination between federal agencies, local law enforcement, and private companies can protect our communities from those who would target innocent children based on race.
Sources:
Patel says FBI stopped potential preschool massacre: ‘Unacceptable acts of cowardice’ – Fox News
Newport man arrested for threat against preschool, FBI local authorities respond quickly – WCTI12
