Newport Man Arrested for Preschool Threat; Sparks Outrage and Debate
On Monday, September 1st, the Carteret County Sheriff’s Office arrested Zachary Charles Newell, a 25-year-old man, for communicating threats of mass violence. The arrest followed an FBI notification regarding a hate-motivated threat Newell allegedly posted targeting an unnamed black preschool. Newell was charged with Communicating a Threat of Mass Violence on Educational Property and was initially given a secured bond. However, the Sheriff’s Office collaborated with the FBI to transfer him to federal custody later that day. Authorities have confirmed the safety of the community and are taking all threats seriously, encouraging anyone with information to contact 911.