An 18-year-old Massachusetts man has been charged with threatening to kill President Donald Trump after allegedly posting violent messages on Instagram, including threats to carry out a school shooting.
Trenton Touch, of Tewksbury, faces a federal charge of threatening the president, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Authorities began examining 4 Instagram accounts in September after receiving reports of violent and threatening content. All 4 accounts were allegedly linked to Touch.
According to the charging documents, Touch made multiple threats against others, including a threat to “kill trump.” In an Instagram direct message on June 21, he allegedly shared an image of a firearm alongside messages stating, “im gonna kill trump,” and referring to his ability to shoot at distances beyond 200 yards.
The documents also allege that Touch repeatedly praised mass shooters associated with racially motivated violent extremism, referring to them as “heroes.” He allegedly made frequent references to the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings in New Zealand, which left 51 people dead.
On Oct. 26, Tewksbury police officers and other law enforcement personnel searched Touch’s home on Grasshopper Lane as part of an investigation into online threats. The Tewksbury Police Department (TPD) said officers found a revolver-style handgun and ammunition.
Touch was arrested without incident and charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition without a Firearms Identification Card, as well as improper storage of a firearm.
Federal authorities also reported recovering camouflage clothing, a ballistic helmet, military-style knives and a hatchet from the residence.
Touch was arraigned in Lowell District Court on the firearm charges and held on $50,000 cash bail. The DOJ said he remains in state custody and is scheduled to appear in federal court in Boston on Nov. 9.
The federal charge of threatening the president carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.