An Illinois man is facing serious federal charges after allegedly posting a series of violent online threats against former President Donald Trump.
Trent Schneider, 57, of Winthrop Harbor, was charged with making threats against public officials across state lines, according to a criminal complaint filed in late October and made public Monday.
A String of Threatening Videos
Federal prosecutors say Schneider began uploading angry, threatening videos on Instagram as he faced foreclosure on his home. Over several days, he allegedly posted the same video about 20 times, tagging Trump Tower Chicago each time.
In every post, Schneider wrote that his house would be auctioned off on November 4, 2025, and declared that Trump should be executed.
Confrontation With the Secret Service
When Secret Service agents arrived at his home to question him, Schneider reportedly stormed outside, yelling at them to leave his property. After they departed, he recorded them walking away and posted that video online, again repeating his calls for Trump’s death.
A History of Threats and Arrests
Court documents reveal that this isn’t the first time Schneider has drawn the attention of law enforcement.
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In 2022, federal agents had already warned him about violent social media posts targeting public officials.
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Later that year, he was arrested for allegedly threatening to shoot up a T-Mobile store.
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In 2023, a judge ruled him mentally unfit to stand trial in that case.
Investigators say Schneider’s recent threats appeared driven by his anger and frustration over losing his home, which he blamed on politicians and members of the legal system. In several posts, he accused them of fraud and claimed they had destroyed him financially.
How He Was Caught
Authorities began investigating after a Florida resident spotted one of Schneider’s posts and reported it. The Secret Service traced the Instagram account back to Schneider and confirmed that his public threats could be seen nationwide.
Agents, joined by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and a SWAT team, executed search and arrest warrants at his home. Schneider was taken into custody without incident.
Possible Penalties
If convicted, Schneider faces up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Despite the former president’s busy political schedule and ongoing legal battles, the Secret Service emphasized that threats against any president or former president are taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.
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