Shocking Revelations: DOJ Uncovers Suspect’s Detailed Plan to Assassinate Trump

A recently unsealed criminal complaint has unveiled the disturbing plans of a U.S. Army veteran who allegedly intended to assassinate President Donald Trump. Federal prosecutors claim that the veteran traveled from South Carolina to Washington, D.C., with ominous messages scrawled on his vehicle.

According to the complaint, 41-year-old Daniel Swain displayed his intentions clearly on his car. He allegedly wrote “HEADED TO WSH TO KILL THE PRES” on the driver’s side window. On the vehicle’s back window, Swain purportedly scribbled “TELL DONALD HE IS FIRED,” along with “double tap,” a term often associated with firing a gun twice to ensure a target is hit.

Swain’s journey to the capital was intercepted by law enforcement in North Carolina. Initially stopped for minor offenses during a traffic stop, Swain was later tied to more serious allegations. As he appeared in court for these initial charges, prosecutors announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina planned to pursue federal charges against him for the threats directed at the president.

The federal charges were detailed in a criminal complaint obtained by Law&Crime, which includes images of Swain’s car adorned with various threatening messages. The Department of Justice noted that these threats were written in capital letters.

According to the complaint, the situation came to light when an employee at Tidal Wave Auto Spa called 911 after noticing the alarming messages on Swain’s car. The authorities responded to the call and discovered a black BMW X5 with South Carolina license plates (SZI 986), bearing threatening messages on the driver’s side, passenger’s side, and rear windows.

A newly unsealed criminal complaint shows photos of the car Daniel Swain was allegedly driving with threats to assassinate President Donald Trump written all over it (U.S. Department of Justice).

The photos provided in the complaint show the alleged statements, including a “violent message directing the reader to commit suicide,” per the DOJ. A drone was allegedly found in Swain’s vehicle that prosecutors say can be used in planning to carry out any attempts of violence.

After being taken into custody, Swain told investigators that he had visited Washington, D.C., in the winter of 2025 and 2026 to “take action” against the president before his most recent trip, according to the complaint. When asked to explain what he meant, Swain “later clarified that he meant he was only going to legally protest,” per the complaint.

“[Swain] admitted to visiting the White House, Capitol, and monuments,” the complaint alleges. “[Swain] told agent he ‘wussed out of doing what he was going to do.’”

Swain is accused of posting online that he wanted to “put a round” in Trump’s “f—ing head” and go on a White House killing rampage.

“F— you, Donald Trump,” Swain allegedly said in an April 19 post.

That day, he posted numerous alleged threats about the president while tagging his public account.

“I’m coming up there to blow your a— up,” Swain allegedly blasted.

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 mother told local NBC affiliate WRAL that he is an Army vet who has suffered from mental health problems, including PTSD. She said he is considered by the military to be disabled.

Swain is scheduled to appear in federal court on June 2 for preliminary and detention hearings.