In a chilling incident, North Carolina police intercepted a U.S. Army veteran who allegedly intended to travel to Washington, D.C., to assassinate President Donald Trump.
The 41-year-old veteran, Daniel Swain, from Charleston, South Carolina, is facing charges after posting disturbing threats online, including a message stating he wanted to “put a round in his f—ing head” and carry out a killing spree at the White House.
The Threatening Posts
Swain’s threats surfaced on Facebook, where he reportedly expressed his intent to murder President Trump and shared explicit violent language.
On April 19, 2026, Swain allegedly posted several posts targeting Trump, including one where he wrote, “F— you, Donald Trump,” followed by, “I’m coming up there to blow your a— up.”
According to law enforcement, Swain’s comments on Facebook included references to killing the president and were accompanied by tags to Trump’s public account.
Swain allegedly went on to write the following:
Give me a f—ing gun.
Man if I see godd— Donald Trump sorry a— one more time on this f—ing phone. Somebody oughta go put a round in his f—ing head and then do it to his son and do it to his wife and then do it to the rest of Congress.
Donald Trump is the new Hitler at this time.
I’m gonna officially snap and start killing people. That is not a f—ing lie. I ain’t no f—ing joke.
They already know who the f— I am Donald Trump. I swear to God the blood is going to be on your hand. I’m gonna officially snap and start killing people.
Donald Trump … I hope one day somebody does put a bullet right between your eyes.
Swain’s posts caught the attention of authorities, prompting law enforcement to act swiftly. Swain, who reportedly was traveling from South Carolina to Washington, D.C., was stopped by police in North Carolina before he could carry out the alleged plan.
Law Enforcement Response
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) was alerted to Swain’s online threats, and authorities acted quickly to prevent any further harm.
The U.S. Justice Department is preparing federal charges against Swain, who is now under investigation by the FBI and U.S. Secret Service for making threats against the president.
Although Swain has not yet been charged with the threats made online, he is facing charges related to possession of methamphetamine and resisting arrest.
Law enforcement officials in North Carolina confirmed that Swain had been arrested and is currently in custody.
His appearance in court was held on Thursday, where he allegedly downplayed the severity of his actions.
Swain reportedly told the court, “I’m unemployed, U.S. Army veteran, third generation… This is a little ridiculous, but that’s about all.”
Mental Health and Background
Swain’s mother spoke with local media outlets, confirming that her son is a U.S. Army veteran who has struggled with mental health issues, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
She stated that Swain is considered disabled by the military due to his mental health challenges.
His history of mental illness adds complexity to the case, as it is not clear whether these issues played a role in his threatening behavior.
Court Proceedings and Next Steps
Swain is due to return to court on May 20, 2026, for further proceedings. The case continues to develop, and federal charges related to his online threats are expected to be announced in the coming days.
The arrest serves as a reminder of the serious consequences that come with making threats against public figures, especially the president of the United States.
As the legal process unfolds, law enforcement will continue to investigate the full extent of Swain’s intentions and whether his actions were influenced by his mental health struggles.
