FBI Thwarts Potential Attack on Preschool Children
In a swift response to online threats, the FBI has arrested 25-year-old Zachary Charles Newell of Newport, North Carolina, who allegedly posted disturbing messages about his intention to attack Black preschool children. FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that “threats of violence against children are beyond unacceptable acts of cowardice.” The case highlights how seriously law enforcement takes online threats against educational institutions, particularly those targeting vulnerable children. The FBI’s rapid coordination with local authorities potentially prevented what could have been a devastating tragedy for families and communities in the area.
The investigation began when Google reported alarming comments posted on YouTube to the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center on August 31. Under the username “CommentatorsHateMe,” Newell allegedly posted violent, racist threats on August 27, expressing intentions to “shoot up” a preschool and harm or kill 20 Black children. Google was able to link the account to an email registered to Newell, along with associated phone numbers and an address. This digital trail allowed law enforcement to quickly identify and locate the suspect, demonstrating the effectiveness of cooperation between tech companies and law enforcement agencies when public safety is at risk.
When confronted at his home by deputies from the Carteret County Sheriff’s Office, Newell allegedly admitted to making the threatening YouTube comments. Following the execution of a search warrant, he was initially charged in state court with communicating a threat of mass violence on educational property. Newell was initially released on a $30,000 bond set by a state magistrate. However, the severity of the threats prompted the sheriff’s office to work with the FBI later that evening to take him into federal custody on more serious federal charges, with additional charges expected to follow as the investigation continues.
FBI North Carolina Special Agent in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. emphasized that “every child deserves to go to school without fear” and warned that federal charges should serve as a caution to anyone who believes they can hide behind the anonymity of a keyboard while making violent threats. Similarly, Carteret County Sheriff Asa Buck described the suspect’s comments as “violent, hateful and shocking to the conscience,” and assured the public that individuals making such threats “will be dealt with as severely as the law allows.” The strong response from law enforcement officials underscores their commitment to protecting educational environments and taking online threats seriously, even when no specific targets are named.
The sheriff’s office has clarified that Newell’s threats did not mention specific preschools or educational properties, and there is currently no active threat to any Carteret County schools. This information likely provides some relief to concerned parents and educators in the area, though the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers that can emerge from online spaces. The case also illustrates how threats made in digital environments can lead to real-world legal consequences, with the suspect now facing serious federal charges that could result in significant penalties if he is convicted.
The charge against Newell—interstate threat to kidnap or injure—reflects the federal government’s ability to prosecute threats made online that cross state boundaries, even when no physical action has yet been taken. This case demonstrates the evolving landscape of threat assessment and response in the digital age, where law enforcement must constantly balance free speech considerations against public safety concerns. While the specific content of Newell’s alleged comments was deemed too disturbing to be included in the report, the serious response from multiple law enforcement agencies indicates the extreme nature of the threats and the potential danger they represented to the community, particularly to young children who are among society’s most vulnerable members.
