Nationwide — Zachary Charles Newell, a 26-year-old man from North Carolina, was sentenced to only two years in federal prison after making online threats of a mass shooting targeting a preschool. He posted violent messages on YouTube aimed at Black children before authorities tracked and arrested him.
Federal prosecutors said Newell was charged in September for communicating threats of mass violence after a series of disturbing online posts. According to Atlanta Black Star, he used YouTube to spread violent statements and had engaged with extremist content that targeted racial, ethnic, and religious groups.
On August 27, 2025, Newell posted a comment during a wrestling-related discussion on YouTube. In the post, he threatened a Black preschool and referenced harming 20 Black babies, according to federal court records.
Four days later, Google flagged the content and reported it to the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center. Investigators traced the post to Newell’s YouTube account, which used the handle “CommentatorsHateMe”.
Federal agents arrested Newell after identifying him as the account holder. Prosecutors said he later admitted to posting the threats and pleaded guilty in court.
At sentencing, officials noted Newell could have faced up to five years in federal prison if the case had gone to trial. The court ultimately sentenced him to only two years in prison.