Newport Man Sentenced to 2 Years for Threatening to “Shoot Up” and “Skin” Black Preschoolers

RALEIGH, N.C. - A federal judge sentenced Zachary Charles Newell, 26, to two years in federal prison for communicating online threats. Newell threatened to "shoot up" a preschool and murder "black babies" on YouTube. He pleaded guilty to the charges.

"Inmate Newell threatened to become the next school shooter-at a preschool no less. Targeting babies for murder-simply because of the color of their skin-is disgusting and unacceptable in civilized society. The FBI quickly responded, preventing a shooting and brought a dangerous man to justice," said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.

According to court documents and other information presented in court, Inmate Newell became obsessed with extremist content on the internet. He posted scores of threatening comments on YouTube directed at racial, ethnic, and religious minorities.

On August 27, he wrote, "I'm gonna shoot up a black preschool. 20 black babies will be shot and then skinned."

Immediately upon learning of the threat, the FBI identified and arrested Inmate Newell on a federal criminal complaint ensuring he was detained and removed from the ability to carry out his threats. Inmate Newell admitted to posting the threat and ultimately pleaded guilty.

Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The FBI and the Carteret County Sheriff's Office investigated the case, and Assistant United States Attorney Erin C. Blondel prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North CarolinaLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. or on PACERLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. by searching for Case No. 7:25-CR-95-D-BM.