A U.S. Army veteran has been charged after allegedly promoting plans to assassinate President Donald Trump during a shooting rampage, according to federal prosecutors.
Army Veteran Arrested for Threats Against Trump
Daniel Swain, 41, allegedly wrote threatening messages all over his car as he traveled from South Carolina to Washington, D.C. According to the newly unsealed criminal complaint, Swain wrote on his driver’s side window: “HEADED TO WSH TO KILL THE PRES” and on the back window: “TELL DONALD HE IS FIRED,” along with the term “double tap,” a reference to firing twice to ensure a target is dead.
Swain was stopped by police in North Carolina during the trip. Initially charged with minor offenses following a traffic stop, he now faces federal charges from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina for making threats against the president.
Threatening Messages on Vehicle
Photos included in the criminal complaint show Swain’s black BMW X5 covered in messages written in white lettering. The vehicle was spotted at a car wash, where an attendant called 911 after noticing the threatening messages.
Authorities also found a drone in the car, which prosecutors said could be used in planning violent acts. Some of the messages allegedly included violent language directed at the president and others, as well as a “message directing the reader to commit suicide,” according to the Department of Justice.
Swain’s Prior Visits to Washington, D.C.
Swain admitted to visiting Washington, D.C., in the winters of 2025 and 2026. He told investigators he had intended to “take action” against the president but later said he only planned to legally protest. Swain reportedly visited the White House, Capitol, and national monuments during those trips.
Online Threats
Swain allegedly posted several threats online, stating he wanted to “put a round” in Trump’s “head” and go on a killing rampage. Some of the posts included:
- “I’m coming up there to blow your a— up.”
- “Give me a f—ing gun.”
- “Donald Trump … I hope one day somebody does put a bullet right between your eyes.”
- “I’m gonna officially snap and start killing people. That is not a f—ing lie.”
Federal authorities have said these threats were serious and part of the investigation.
Background and Mental Health
Swain’s mother told local NBC affiliate WRAL that her son is a U.S. Army veteran who has suffered from mental health issues, including PTSD. She said he is considered disabled by the military.
Court Appearance
Daniel Swain is scheduled to appear in federal court on June 2 for preliminary and detention hearings.
