Full Breakdown
Former President Donald Trump Targeted in Threats by Army Veteran Daniel Swain
5/21/2026, 7:12:56 AM
Threats on Vehicle and Online Posts
A newly unsealed DOJ complaint shows that Daniel Swain, a 41-year-old U.S. Army veteran, wrote multiple threats on his black BMW X5, including a message stating he was headed to Washington to kill the president, a statement telling Donald Trump he was “fired,” and the phrase “double tap.” An attendant at Tidal Wave Auto Spa called 911 after seeing the graffiti, leading North Carolina police to stop the vehicle and seize a drone found inside. On April 19, Swain posted a series of online messages calling for a “round” to be placed in Trump’s head and promising to “blow your a— up.”
Prior Visits and Mental Health
Swain reportedly traveled to Washington, D.C., in the winter of 2025-2026, visiting the White House, Capitol and monuments. He later told investigators the trip was intended only for a lawful protest. His mother told local NBC affiliate WRAL that he suffers from PTSD and is classified as disabled by the military.
Investigation Timeline and Evidence
After the 911 call, North Carolina police stopped Swain’s BMW X5 (South Carolina plates SZI 986) and seized the drone. He was initially charged with minor offenses and appeared in local court late last month. Federal prosecutors from the Eastern District of North Carolina announced plans to file threat charges. Swain is scheduled for a preliminary detention hearing on June 2, 2024.
Official Response and Legal Proceedings
The DOJ complaint characterizes the written threats as a federal offense against a former president. Prosecutors said Swain will face charges for threatening the president, while police described the 911 call as the catalyst for the vehicle’s seizure.
Criticism, Conflicting Reports, and Gaps
Swain maintains his D.C. trip was a lawful protest, a claim that clashes with the graphic vehicle graffiti and online threats. His mother’s description of his PTSD suggests a mental-health factor, yet the complaint does not name the specific statutes for the pending charges, and the intended purpose of the seized drone remains unverified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “HEADED TO WSH TO KILL THE PRES,” — Daniel Swain, vehicle graffiti
- “[Swain] told agent he 'wussed out of doing what he was going to do.'” — Swain, interview with investigators
- “F— you, Donald Trump,” — Daniel Swain, April 19 social-media post
- “An attendant at Tidal Wave Auto Spa called 911 after they noticed threatening words written on the exterior of the vehicle at the car wash,” — Law-enforcement report
Implications and Next Steps
The case highlights ongoing threats to former officials and the role of federal authorities in addressing them. Swain’s June 2 hearing will determine whether he remains detained and clarify the specific charges he faces.
