Full Breakdown
Illinois Man Sentenced for Repeated Threats Against Former President Donald Trump
7/15/2026, 1:33:41 AM
Threats and Conviction
Trent Schneider, 58, of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, was sentenced to 38 months in federal prison after a March conviction for making a true threat to injure a person in interstate commerce. Prosecutors detailed a series of Instagram videos posted on Oct. 21 2025 in which Schneider repeatedly called President Donald Trump a “fraud” and “coward,” tagged the location of Trump Tower, and declared his intent to kill the former president and other public officials. The posts were reported by a “concerned citizen” in Florida, leading to an investigation that culminated in Schneider’s arrest at his home.
Legal Proceedings
During a three-day trial in the U.S. District Court in Chicago, Schneider was described as “irate and started yelling” when questioned by investigators. After his arrest, he appeared before the judge, stating he would “burn this castle down” and later claimed his statements were not threats. The court found sufficient evidence of a genuine threat, resulting in the 38-month sentence.
Official Law-Enforcement Response
Jim Morley, acting special agent in charge of the U.S. Secret Service Chicago Field Office, emphasized the agency’s priority to protect the president and other designated protectees. He praised the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois and local law-enforcement partners for their collaboration in the investigation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I can get a lot of f—ing guns and I am going to take care of business.” — Trent Schneider
- “@realDonaldTrump SHOULD BE EXECUTED!!!” — Trent Schneider
- “THIS IS NOT A THREAT!!!” — Trent Schneider
- “Political violence has no place in civil society, and we will vigorously pursue threats against our protectees.” — Jim Morley, acting special agent in charge, U.S. Secret Service Chicago Field Office
