Introduction to the Case
A north suburban Winthrop Harbor man allegedly threatened President Donald Trump and several others online, prompting a federal raid that resulted in his eventual arrest. United States Secret Service investigators, with the assistance of local agencies, arrested 57-year-old Trent J. Schneider at his home Monday morning without incident.
Background of the Incident
According to a criminal complaint unsealed Monday in US District Court in Chicago, Schneider allegedly posted an Instagram video of himself on Oct. 16, 2025, where he stated, "I’m going to get some guns. I know where I can get a lot of [expletive] guns and I am going to take care of business myself. I’m tired of all you [expletive] frauds. People need to [expletive] die and people are going to die. [Expletive] all of you, especially you Trump. You should be executed."
Trent J. Schneider (Photo/US Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Illinois)
Details of the Threats
The video also included a caption that stated, in part: “THIS IS NOT A THREAT!!! AFTER LOSING EVERYTHING and My House Auction date is 11.04.2025 @realDonaldTrump SHOULD BE EXECUTED!!!" It’s not clear yet if federal prosecutors plan to charge Schneider with the separate offense of threatening a US president.
Arrest and Investigation
Just before 10 a.m. Monday, SkyCam9 flew above the arrest scene in the 2800 block of 15th Street, capturing federal agents removing what appeared to be rifles from Schneider’s Winthrop Harbor. The suspect faced the risk of losing his home following an online auction.
Previous Run-Ins with the Law
Monday is not the first time Schneider has been in trouble with the law. In 2022, published reports show Schneider taking the police on a 40-minute low-speed pursuit. As a result, Schneider faced two counts of aggravated battery of a police officer and four counts of aggravated assault, according to the news website Lake and McHenry County Scanner.
Court Appearance
At the Dirksen Federal Building in Chicago, Schneider appeared before US Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Gilbert. Gilbert ordered that Schneider remain detained in federal custody. His next court appearance is set for Thursday, Nov. 6.
Conclusion
The arrest of Trent J. Schneider highlights the seriousness with which law enforcement agencies take online threats, especially those directed at high-profile figures like the President of the United States. The case also underscores the importance of monitoring online activities and the potential consequences of making threats, even in a digital context.
FAQs
- Q: What was Trent J. Schneider arrested for?
- A: Schneider was arrested for allegedly threatening President Donald Trump and several others online.
- Q: How did the arrest occur?
- A: The arrest was made by United States Secret Service investigators with the assistance of local agencies at Schneider’s home in Winthrop Harbor.
- Q: What was the content of the online threat?
- A: Schneider posted a video and caption on Instagram that included threats against President Trump and others, mentioning the acquisition of guns and the need for people to die.
- Q: Has Schneider been in trouble with the law before?
- A: Yes, Schneider had a previous incident in 2022 involving a low-speed police pursuit, which resulted in charges of aggravated battery of a police officer and aggravated assault.
- Q: What are the next steps in the legal process for Schneider?
- A: Schneider’s next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 6, and he has been ordered to remain in federal custody.
