Federal prosecutors unsealed a criminal complaint revealing how an Army veteran drove from South Carolina to Washington, D.C., with assassination threats against President Donald Trump scrawled across his vehicle, including detailed plans to execute the president.
Threats Written Across Vehicle Windows
Daniel Swain, 41, allegedly covered his black BMW with threatening messages in white lettering before heading to the nation’s capital. According to the Department of Justice complaint, Swain wrote “HEADED TO WSH TO KILL THE PRES” on his driver’s side window and “TELL DONALD HE IS FIRED” on the back window. He also included the phrase “double tap,” a military term referring to firing a gun twice to ensure a target is dead. A car wash attendant at Tidal Wave Auto Spa noticed the threatening words and immediately called 911, prompting North Carolina police to intercept Swain during a traffic stop.
Violent Online Posts and Prior Attempts
The criminal complaint details multiple online posts where Swain allegedly threatened the president and his family. On April 19, Swain reportedly posted that he wanted to “put a round” in Trump’s head and continue with a White House killing rampage. Investigators found additional posts where Swain allegedly wrote threats against the First Family and Congress members, comparing Trump to Hitler and promising to “start killing people.” When questioned by authorities, Swain admitted he had previously visited Washington, D.C., in winter 2025 and 2026 to “take action” against the president but claimed he later meant only to legally protest.
Evidence and Federal Charges
Police discovered a drone inside Swain’s vehicle that prosecutors say could be used for planning violent attacks. During interrogation, Swain told agents he had visited the White House, Capitol, and monuments during his previous trips, eventually admitting he “wussed out of doing what he was going to do.” After initially facing minor state charges in North Carolina court last month, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina brought federal charges against Swain for threatening the president. His mother told local media that Swain is an Army veteran who has suffered from mental health issues.
Sources
Lawandcrime: New photos show how Trump assassination suspect promoted plans to 'double tap' him: DOJ