Federal authorities say an Illinois man repeatedly posted videos calling for President Donald Trump\u2019s execution, prompting a Secret Service investigation and a federal charge for making interstate threats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A criminal complaint filed Oct. 31 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and unsealed Monday identifies the defendant as Trent Schneider, 57, of Winthrop Harbor. He is charged with making a true threat to injure another person in interstate commerce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Authorities say Schneider posted violent videos and memes on Instagram as his home faced foreclosure. In a video posted Oct. 16, the complaint alleges he looked into the camera and said, “People like me have suffered real f—ing crimes from f—ing judges, doctors, lawyers, police. They all should be killed. All of them should be executed for what they\u2019ve done.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The affidavit quotes Schneider continuing, “They need to be killed. They need to be executed, ok? They are frauds, ok? I think it\u2019s time. I\u2019ve waited long enough. I\u2019m going to get some guns. I know where I can get a lot of f—ing guns and I am going to take care of business myself. I\u2019m tired of all you f—ing frauds. People need to f—ing die and people are going to die. F— all of you, especially you, Trump. You should be executed.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prosecutors contend Schneider reposted the same video nearly 20 times, often tagging Trump Tower Chicago; each post included the caption: “THIS IS NOT A THREAT!!! \u2026 AFTER LOSING EVERYTHING and My House Auction date is 11.04.2025 @realDonaldTrump SHOULD BE EXECUTED!!!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A viewer in Florida reported one post to authorities, which led the Secret Service to identify Schneider\u2019s Instagram account and open an investigation. Agents visited his Winthrop Harbor home on Oct. 22 and observed cameras on tripods in the driveway. Schneider reportedly came outside, ordered officers off his property and later posted a video showing them leaving, again with the execution caption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The complaint notes prior encounters with law enforcement: Schneider was interviewed in 2022 over violent posts targeting public officials and later arrested that year after allegedly threatening to “shoot up” a T-Mobile store. A court found him unfit to stand trial in 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to prosecutors, Schneider\u2019s social-media anger appeared linked to his home\u2019s impending foreclosure, set for auction on Nov. 4. He allegedly referenced “losing everything” and blamed judges and other officials he labeled “frauds.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CBS Chicago reported the Secret Service enlisted the Lake County Sheriff\u2019s Office and a SWAT team to execute arrest and search warrants; Schneider was taken into custody without incident. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If convicted on the federal charge, he faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, the Justice Department says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n