Zach Sweers (AKA “Anxiety War”)
YouTuber Zach Sweers of "Anxiety War" explains how he catches online predators, his conflicts with Michigan law enforcement over his methods, and how he keeps himself safe.
About This Episode
Zach Sweers, also known as “Anxiety War,” has garnered over 640k subscribers and millions of views on YouTube with his vigilante-style predator busts. Zach made headlines in 2019 when Michigan prosecutors along with the state attorney general warned him to stop performing these busts for reasons of his own safety.
In this episode of Open Mike, Zach discusses how his YouTube channel began, why he feels his videos are so important, and the realities of staying safe online.
Show Notes
FAQs
-
How does Zach Sweers catch online predators?
He poses as an average 13- or 14-year-old girl or boy on chat apps and sites, states the age right away, and lets the other person steer the conversation. If it turns sexual and the person comes to meet in person, he shows up, confronts them and films it. He says he never poses as an adult first.
-
Why did Michigan officials ask Zach Sweers to stop his predator confrontations?
Zach said Grand Rapids Police and the Kent County prosecutor told him it was really dangerous and they feared for his safety, and the prosecutor stopped taking new charges. Mike Morse said the statements he read from the Attorney General and Kent County argued that his evidence could be tainted and that he could get hurt or killed. Zach said he had offered police access to his accounts so they could make arrests without him confronting anyone, but they never entertained it.
-
How many convictions have resulted from Zach Sweers's evidence?
Zach said seven people were charged and all seven were convicted using his evidence, while a couple of others he reported were not charged. Most pleaded guilty before trial; one went to trial, where Zach was called to testify and a jury found the man guilty. According to Zach and Mike Morse, the charge was accosting, enticing or soliciting a child for immoral purposes.
-
Was Zach Sweers successfully sued by someone he confronted?
Two lawsuits were filed against him in Circuit Court, which Mike Morse said means each sought over $25,000. Zach said the complaint claimed YouTube pays by subscriber count and that he was rich, but his predator videos carry no ads and earn nothing from YouTube. Both cases were dismissed without any payout. Mike said truth is a defense and noted that both men who sued had pleaded guilty to something.
-
Does Zach Sweers carry a weapon during his confrontations?
He now carries a gun with a concealed carry permit, after previously relying on a knife, pepper spray, or Kevlar, saying he wanted a way to defend himself in a worst-case scenario.
Keep Listening
More Episodes
Ep 14
Jan 17, 2020
Deonte Higginbothom On The Detroit Fire Department’s Infamous “Firefighter Selfie”
with Deonte Higginbothom Watch Episode
Ep 13
Jan 17, 2020
Police Chief Robert Dunlap on Jeffrey Epstein’s Death and Protecting Inmates
with Robert Dunlap Watch Episode
Ep 12
Jan 7, 2020
