DOJ Announces Charges Over Alleged Threats
The Department of Justice announced charges against Trenton Touch, an 18-year-old from Tewksbury, Massachusetts, for allegedly threatening the President of the United States. Touch was charged by criminal complaint and remains in state custody. According to the charging documents, law enforcement received information on September 10, 2026, about four Instagram accounts containing violent and threatening content. Investigators allegedly connected all four accounts to Touch, whose messages included threats to shoot up a school and kill President Donald Trump. These remain allegations, and the complaint is not a finding of guilt.
Posts Allegedly Praised Mass Shooters
According to the DOJ, Touch allegedly made frequent references to mass shooters who carried out attacks based on racially motivated violent extremism. Investigators say he referred to those attackers as heroes and repeatedly referenced the Christchurch shootings in New Zealand, which killed 51 people. Authorities also cited an alleged Instagram direct message containing an image of a firearm and threatening language about killing Trump. The claims are part of the government’s case and will be addressed through the court process.
Authorities Seized a Firearm and Military-Style Gear
A revolver-style firearm was allegedly seized from Touch’s home along with military-style or military-surplus items. The list included camouflage clothing, a ballistics helmet, military-style knives, and a hatchet. U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley said threats against the President are a serious crime and are not protected free speech. FBI Boston Special Agent in Charge Ted E. Docks called Touch an alleged white supremacist and said the recovered items indicated he allegedly had the means to carry out violence. The FBI said it would continue working with law enforcement partners to protect the public.
Federal Arraignment Is Set for November 9
Touch is scheduled to be arraigned in federal court in Boston on November 9, 2026. If convicted of making a threat against the President, he could face up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The case remains at the allegation stage, and the court proceedings will determine what the evidence shows.
BREAKING 🚨 18-year-old man from Tewksbury, MA charged w/ making threat against the President of the United States.
The defendant also allegedly threatened to shoot up a school and made frequent references to mass shooters – specifically those who conducted their attacks based… pic.twitter.com/mHC0ViECMi— U.S. Attorney Massachusetts (@DMAnews1) November 5, 2026
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