Man arrested after alleged threats against Donald Trump

An Illinois resident who issued at least 18 threats to harm President Donald Trump through social media messages and clips — including a "selfie" where he claimed, "I have access to numerous f---ing weapons and intend to handle the situation" — has been found guilty by a federal jury.

Trent Schneider, 58, hailing from Winthrop Harbor, was convicted last week for making an actual threat in interstate commerce to harm a person after a three-day trial in US District Court in Chicago, as per a Justice Department press release.

"This conviction clearly communicates that threatening political figures or judiciary members is utterly unacceptable," stated US Attorney Andrew Boutros.

Charges against Schneider included sharing videos on Instagram tagged with the location of Trump Tower in Chicago and President's public profiles, often labeling him as a "fraud" and "coward."

"@realDonaldTrump DESERVES DEATH!!!" Schneider captioned one video, where he addressed the camera about eliminating Trump and public figures, according to the federal complaint. "I've had enough of these f---ing frauds," Schneider stated in the Oct. 16 post. "People have to f---ing perish and people will perish. F--- everyone, especially you Trump."

In another "selfie" clip uploaded that same day, Schneider allegedly informed his audience, "Individuals like myself have endured real f---ing injustices by f---ng judges, doctors, lawyers, police. They all must be eradicated. Every one should face execution for what they've done. They must be eradicated. They must be executed, okay? …. The time is now. I've extended my patience long enough."

The clip's caption read, "THIS IS NOT A THREAT!!!"

Schneider shared the video seven times in one day, each included a tagged location of Trump Tower. 

Prosecutors revealed a "concerned citizen" in Florida saw the video and notified authorities.

The authorities questioned Schneider about the posts on Oct. 22. The complaint recounts how Schneider allegedly became "angry and began shouting" at the investigators during the discussion.

"Roughly one hour after departing the subject's home, [Schneider] uploaded a video featuring myself and the two other law enforcement officers who attempted to interview Schneider departing down his driveway," the complaint notes. "The post carried the same menacing caption as the previously discussed video."

Authorities detained Schneider at his Winthrop Harbor residence. During his court appearance, he allegedly told the presiding judge he would "set this castle ablaze," as reported by prosecutors.

"When the judge inquired if it was a threat, Schneider denied it," the complaint mentions.

In another court session, Schneider reportedly requested accommodation in the "Trump hotel" with popcorn, stated by local CBS affiliate WBBM.

This wasn't Schneider's initial legal encounter; he carries a history of offenses and was accused of sharing "several violent statements" directed at public officials across different social media platforms in 2022.

"According to law enforcement documents, in December 2022, law enforcement arrested Schneider due to a report of threats to 'attack' a T-Mobile store," the complaint highlights.