As a white woman, I have absolutely no idea what it is like to live as a Black person in the United States. I do know, however, that my fellow Americans who are melanated are not afforded the same feelings of security and safety that I have based solely on the color of my skin. Although I cannot speak to the Black experience in this country, I can do my part to hold white racists accountable. That is why I invite you all to shame Zachary Charles Newell of Newport, North Carolina, who decided to threaten the lives of innocent Black children because of his sick and twisted beliefs.
On August 27, 2025, Newell caught the attention of the Department of Justice after making some egregious comments on a YouTube video.
According to a sentencing memorandum from the DOJ, Newell became “obsessed” with extremist content on Twitter and began making threats against Black preschoolers.
“I’m gonna shoot up a black preschool,” Newell wrote in the comment section of a YouTube video, according to Law & Crime. “Twenty black babies will be shot and then skinned like the animals they are.”
Grotesquely, he made other disturbing comments as well. “Can’t wait to start killing,” he wrote in another post.
“The amount of pain and suffering Black people are about to suffer makes me so happy,” he said, per Law & Crime. “I’m gonna be laughing when people like you start getting killed in the streets. LOL. It’s gonna be so fun to make you suffer until your last breath.”
Days later, deputies made contact with Newell after receiving a ‘cyber tip’ on his whereabouts.
Newell reportedly admitted to making the threats and divulged how he had been co-opted by extremist views online. He went on to admit to “searching demographics in various cities” but denied he had any plans to enact his threats, per the sentencing memo.
“He claimed his interest was academic,” the document notes. “Newell admitted to deleting his search history on his computer after being released on state bond; he claimed that he was embarrassed about pornography searches.”
On March 25, 2026, Newell was officially sentenced to two years in prison.
“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,” US Attorney Ellis Boyle shared in the sentencing memorandum.
The number of years he received as a sentence, however, was heavily criticized online.
“Should of gotten life in prison,” reads one Facebook comment. “I don’t understand why the courts continue to release animals like this back into society.”
“Sounds like he is the real animal,” added another commenter.
Can’t say I disagree. I am, however, thankful that his threats were taken seriously and that hopefully he’ll be watched closely the rest of his life.
