Federal authorities report that an Illinois resident is accused of advocating for the execution of President Donald Trump through a series of expletive-filled Instagram videos. This has instigated a Secret Service probe culminating in a federal charge for interstate threats against public officials.
A criminal complaint was lodged on October 31 in the Northern District of Illinois, later unsealed on Monday morning. It charges Trent Schneider, a 57-year-old from Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, with the alleged offense of making a legitimate threat to harm another person through interstate communication.
The complaint details that Schneider shared aggressive videos and memes on social media, demanding Trump’s execution, coinciding with the foreclosure of his home.
In a video posted on October 16, Schneider purportedly spoke directly to the camera, expressing anger towards judges, doctors, lawyers, and police. He stated, “People like me have endured real crimes from these judges, doctors, lawyers, police. They all deserve to be killed. They should be executed for what they’ve done.”
He allegedly continued, “They need to be killed. They need to be executed, okay? They are frauds, alright? I think it’s time. I’ve waited long enough. I’m going to get some guns. I know where I can find a lot of guns, and I am going to handle things myself. I’m tired of all you frauds. People need to die, and people are going to die. Especially you, Trump. You should be executed.”
The prosecution claims Schneider shared this video nearly 20 times over several days, frequently tagging Trump Tower Chicago. Each post included the same message: “THIS IS NOT A THREAT!!! … AFTER LOSING EVERYTHING and My House Auction date is 11.04.2025 @realDonaldTrump SHOULD BE EXECUTED!!!”
A viewer in Florida allegedly saw one of the videos and reported it to authorities, according to court documents. That tip led the U.S. Secret Service to begin investigating Schneider and identify his Instagram account, which agents say he used to post threats viewable nationwide.
Trent Schneider, 57, of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, was arrested Monday at his home after federal agents alleged he posted a series of profanity-laced social media videos calling for President Donald Trump’s execution. Schneider pictured in mugshot from previous incident. (Lake County Sheriff’s Office via FOX 32 in Chicago)
Agents went to Schneider’s home in Winthrop Harbor on Oct. 22 to question him, according to the affidavit. When they arrived, they allegedly saw cameras set up on tripods in the driveway.
Schneider came outside, yelled at the officers to get off his property and later posted a video of them walking away – with the same caption calling for Trump’s execution.
Law enforcement had previously encountered Schneider, according to the complaint. In 2022, agents interviewed him over violent social media posts targeting public officials, and later that year he was arrested after allegedly threatening to “shoot up” a T-Mobile store. A court found him unfit to stand trial in 2023, according to the complaint.
Trent Schneider, 57, of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, was arrested Monday at his home after federal agents alleged he posted a series of profanity-laced social media videos calling for President Donald Trump’s execution. (iStock)
The complaint alleges Schneider’s anger appeared tied to the looming foreclosure of his home, which was scheduled for auction on Nov. 4.
In his posts, he allegedly referenced “losing everything” and blamed political and judicial figures he called “frauds” for his financial collapse.
CBS News in Chicago reported that the Secret Service requested help from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office to execute search and arrest warrants at Schneider’s home on Monday. The outlet said a SWAT team assisted in taking Schneider into custody, and that he was arrested without incident.
If convicted, Schneider faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
