Full Breakdown
FBI Thwarts Potential Mass Shooting Targeting Black Preschoolers in North Carolina
9/6/2025, 9:32:08 PM
Arrest of Zachary Charles Newell
On September 1, 2025, the Carteret County Sheriff's Office arrested 25-year-old Zachary Charles Newell from Newport, North Carolina, for allegedly making online threats of mass violence against an unspecified preschool primarily attended by Black children. The arrest followed a notification from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) regarding Newell's threatening posts on YouTube, where he used the username "CommentatorsHateMe." In these posts, he expressed intentions to "shoot up" a preschool and kill 20 Black children, among other violent and racially charged threats.
Investigation and Charges
The investigation began when Google LLC flagged Newell's threatening comments to the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center on August 31. Authorities traced the account to Newell’s personal information, including his email and physical address. Following this, deputies from the Carteret County Sheriff's Office confronted Newell at his home, where he allegedly confessed to making the threats. Initially charged with communicating a threat of mass violence on educational property, Newell was released on a $30,000 bond. However, he was rearrested later that evening by federal agents on charges of interstate threat to kidnap or injure another person.
Official Statements and Responses
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "Threats of violence against children are beyond unacceptable acts of cowardice." He praised the swift actions of local law enforcement and the FBI in preventing a potential tragedy. Carteret County Sheriff Asa Buck also condemned Newell's comments as "violent, hateful and shocking to the conscience," affirming that the Sheriff's Office would deal with such threats severely.
Community Safety Assurance
Authorities have confirmed that no specific preschool was named in Newell's threats and that there is currently no active threat to any schools in Carteret County. The Sheriff's Office reassured the community that children, staff, and the public are safe, urging anyone with information about potential threats to report them immediately.
Criticism and Opposition
While the FBI's rapid response has been praised, some critics argue that the incident highlights ongoing concerns about online hate speech and the potential for such threats to escalate into real violence. The effectiveness of current measures to monitor and prevent online threats has been called into question, prompting discussions about the need for more robust regulations.
What's Next
Newell is expected to face additional federal charges as the investigation continues. The FBI and local authorities remain vigilant in monitoring threats directed at schools, reinforcing their commitment to ensuring the safety of children and communities.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Threats of violence against children are beyond unacceptable acts of cowardice,” — Kash Patel, FBI Director
- “The comments posted by this suspect were violent, hateful and shocking to the conscience,” — Asa Buck, Carteret County Sheriff
- “We will never hesitate to respond with urgency to protect children and our communities,” — Kash Patel, FBI Director
