He Allegedly Threatened to Kill Trump and Carry Out School Shooting, FBI Found Him

An 18-year-old Massachusetts man has been charged with threatening to kill U.S. President Donald Trump and allegedly threatening a school shooting, following an investigation by the FBI's Boston Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Trenton Touch, of Tewksbury, was charged with making a threat against the President of the United States. He remains in state custody and is scheduled to appear in federal court in Boston on November 9, 2026.

He Used Four Different Instagram Accounts

FBI. Photo: Shutterstock

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, investigators received information on September 10 about four Instagram accounts containing violent and threatening material, including threats against Trump. Further investigation allegedly identified Touch as the user of all four accounts.

Court documents describe multiple communications in which Touch allegedly threatened to kill people, including references to shooting up a school and killing the President.

On June 21, 2026, he allegedly sent an image of a firearm in an Instagram direct message accompanied by messages threatening Trump and referring to his shooting ability.

Investigators also found repeated references to mass shooters in his online communications. According to prosecutors, Touch allegedly described some attackers motivated by racial extremism as heroes and frequently referred to the 2019 Christchurch shootings in New Zealand, in which 51 people were killed.

Firearm, Camouflage, Knives, Ballistic Helmet and Hatchet Found

A search of his residence resulted in the seizure of a revolver-style firearm and several military-style or surplus items, including camouflage clothing, a ballistic helmet, knives and a hatchet.

FBI Boston Special Agent in Charge Ted E. Docks described the allegations as a serious threat to public safety, citing the weapons and equipment recovered during the investigation. U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley said threats against the President are serious criminal offenses.

The federal charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.

The investigation involved the FBI, Tewksbury Police Department, Methuen Police Department and Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Looney is prosecuting the case.

Touch is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.