Mugshot of Zachary Charles Newell, arrested in Carteret County for allegedly making online threats to shoot up a Black preschool.
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Carteret County Man Arrested for Threatening to ‘Shoot Up a Black Preschool’

@SpectacularMag Staff
Mugshot of Zachary Charles Newell, arrested in Carteret County for allegedly making online threats to shoot up a Black preschool.
Newell

Raleigh, NC — Federal agents have arrested Zachary Charles Newell, charging him with making vile, racist threats on social media — including a post threatening to “shoot up a Black preschool.” Authorities say Newell’s online posts created significant fear and disruption, and he now faces up to five years in federal prison if convicted.

Incident Details

According to court documents, the investigation began when Google alerted the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center on Aug. 31, 2025, about threatening comments posted by YouTube user “CommentatorsHateMe.” Investigators traced the account to Newell.

Between Aug. 26–27, Newell allegedly posted multiple threats targeting public YouTube channels discussing a wrestling match involving Raja Jackson. In one post, he wrote:

“I’m gonna shoot up a Black preschool. 20 Black babies will be shot.”

The affidavit further alleges that Newell issued additional racist and violent threats directed at Black individuals.

Law Enforcement Response

Federal, state, and local agencies worked quickly to identify and apprehend Newell. He was arrested on Sept. 1, 2025, by federal agents and Carteret County deputies.

U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle condemned the threats, saying:

“We will meet this evil with the full force of the federal law enforcement apparatus. We will not tolerate using the internet to spread fear or target communities, especially innocent children.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. added:

“Every child in North Carolina deserves to go to school without fear. This arrest should be a warning to anyone who thinks they can sit behind a keyboard and make violent threats anonymously.”

Charges and Potential Penalties

Newell is charged in Carteret County via a federal criminal complaint and faces up to five years in federal prison if convicted. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Blondel is prosecuting the case.

As always, a criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.