Carteret County Man Arrested After Threatening to “Shoot Up” Black Children at a Preschool

RALEIGH, N.C. – Federal agents, working with local deputies, arrested Zachary Charles Newell on Monday, September 1, 2025, for a criminal complaint charging him with making vile threats, including to “shoot up a black pre school,” in social media posts.

“The defendant’s alleged threats deeply disturb us as federal law enforcement agents and have no place in our society, certainly not in Eastern North Carolina. We will meet this evil with the full force of the federal law enforcement apparatus.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “We will not tolerate using the internet to spread fear or target communities, especially innocent children, with heinous threats of violence.”

“Every child in North Carolina deserves go to school without fear. Your FBI will work with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to investigate threats directed at schools. This federal charge should be a warning to anyone who believes they can sit behind a keyboard and make violent threats, anonymously. FBI Charlotte commends the Carteret County Sheriff's Office for taking immediate action to make an arrest. And we are grateful to our partners at the U.S. Attorney's Office Eastern District of North Carolina to levy federal charges as well,” said James C. Barnacle Jr., the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina.

According to court documents, on August 31, 2025, Google notified the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center of threatening comments posted by YouTube user “CommentatorsHateMe.” Investigators identified the account as belonging to Newell.

On August 26 and 27, 2025, Newell allegedly used the account to post threats directed at public YouTube channels discussing a wrestling match involving Raja Jackson. In one instance, Newell wrote, “I’m gonna shoot up a black pre school. 20 black babies will be shot.” The affidavit also alleges that Newell directed additional racist threats promoting violence against Black individuals.

If convicted, Newell faces up to five years in federal prison.

Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. The FBI is investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Blondel is prosecuting the case.

Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No.4:25-MJ-01076.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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