A 57-year-old man from suburban Chicago has been accused of making violent threats against President Donald Trump through social media. The case has drawn national attention due to the repeated nature of the posts and the serious charges filed under federal law.
Investigators stated that the man shared a series of explicit and threatening videos on Instagram, expressing anger and hostility toward political figures. The online posts were reported by a concerned individual, leading to a federal investigation and an immediate arrest.
Following his arrest, the suspect appeared in court, where prosecutors requested detention citing the severity of the threat. If convicted, he could face several years in a federal prison for transmitting threats across state lines.
Arrest and Federal Charges
Trent Schneider, 57, from Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, has been charged in a federal complaint for making interstate threats to injure another person. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois confirmed that the case involves a direct threat made toward President Trump.
Schneider was arrested on Monday morning. After his court appearance, a federal judge ordered that he remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for Thursday.
Details of the Allegations
According to court documents, Schneider allegedly posted a selfie-style video on Instagram on October 16, in which he talked about obtaining weapons and making violent statements. The complaint also described explicit language directed at political figures, including President Trump.
The video reportedly included a caption referencing personal struggles, a lost home, and an upcoming property auction. Despite claiming “this is not a threat,” the post included alarming words suggesting violent intentions.
Officials allege that he reposted the same video and caption approximately 18 times within a five-day period between October 16 and October 21.
Investigation and Public Report
Law enforcement learned about the posts when a viewer from Florida reported the content to authorities. Federal agents reviewed the material, leading to Schneider’s identification and arrest shortly after.
If convicted of making threats across state lines, Schneider could face up to five years in federal prison. The Department of Justice has not yet listed any attorney representing him.
