Illinois Man Charged for Threatening to Assassinate President Trump

Suspect allegedly plotted sniper attack on White House lawn with high-powered rifle

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:06pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a rifle scope lens reflecting a faint red light, conveying the serious and ominous nature of a potential sniper attack without depicting any actual violence.A chilling close-up of the scope on a high-caliber sniper rifle, reflecting the threat of political violence.Washington Today

A 29-year-old Chicago man named Michael Kovco has been arrested and charged by federal authorities for allegedly sending threatening messages to the CIA and White House, in which he claimed he was plotting to assassinate President Donald Trump using a high-caliber sniper rifle from a vantage point near the White House. Kovco also threatened to target the president's son, Barron Trump, with a serrated knife.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of domestic extremism and the challenges law enforcement faces in identifying and stopping potential assassins before they can carry out attacks. It also raises questions about security protocols at the White House and whether more can be done to protect the president and his family.

The details

According to the Justice Department's federal complaint, Kovco sent multiple messages to the CIA and White House websites in August 2025 and March 2026, detailing his alleged plot to kill the president. In one message, Kovco requested the CIA provide him with a "clear line of fire" from the White House to Marine One, the president's helicopter. Kovco also threatened to purchase a high-caliber assault rifle and assemble improvised explosive devices around Washington, D.C. Federal agents arrested Kovco on April 3, 2026 and charged him with transmitting a threat in interstate commerce.

  • On August 15, 2025, Kovco allegedly sent a message to the CIA outlining his assassination plot.
  • On March 17, 2026, Kovco allegedly threatened to behead President Trump's son, Barron Trump.
  • On March 19, 2026, Kovco allegedly said he intended to purchase a high-caliber rifle and assemble explosives in Washington, D.C.

The players

Michael Kovco

A 29-year-old Chicago resident who has been charged by federal authorities for allegedly threatening to assassinate President Donald Trump.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who was allegedly targeted in Kovco's assassination plot.

Barron Trump

The son of former President Donald Trump who was also allegedly threatened by Kovco.

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What they’re saying

“I am plotting to kill the president ... in an ambush.”

— Michael Kovco

“I'm literally gonna find out how Barron Trump walks around in NYC or DC or wherever the f— he is and run at him with a serrated bread knife and saw that motherf—ers head off.”

— Michael Kovco

What’s next

Kovco is currently in federal custody and faces up to five years in prison if convicted. A judge will determine whether he should be granted bail as the case proceeds.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing threat of domestic extremism and the need for robust security protocols to protect the president and his family. It also highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in identifying and stopping potential assassins before they can carry out attacks.