Illinois Man Arrested for Threatening to Kill Barron Trump and Assassinate President

Prosecutors say the 29-year-old Chicago resident sent graphic messages detailing plans to decapitate the president's son and target the White House with a sniper rifle.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:24pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a serrated knife blade, the metal reflecting a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the violent threats made against the president's son.A chilling close-up of the weapon allegedly threatened in a series of disturbing messages targeting the president's family.Chicago Today

A 29-year-old Illinois man named Michael Kovko has been arrested by federal authorities after allegedly sending a series of alarming messages through the White House's website, including threats to decapitate Barron Trump and assassinate his father, President Donald Trump, using a high-caliber sniper rifle. Investigators said the threats were serious and detailed, leading to Kovko's arrest on April 3 and charges of transmitting threats in interstate commerce.

Why it matters

Threats against the president, his family, and the Secret Service are taken extremely seriously by law enforcement, as they pose a clear danger to public safety and national security. This case highlights the need for vigilance against extremist rhetoric and the importance of addressing mental health issues that may contribute to such criminal behavior.

The details

According to prosecutors, Kovko sent messages through the White House website last month, including a threat to 'take a serrated knife and saw Barron Trump's head off' and 'successfully stake out the president of the United States with a high-caliber sniper rifle permanently aimed at the White House Lawn.' Investigators traced the messages to an IP address linked to Kovko's home in Chicago, leading to his arrest on April 3. Kovko told authorities he had been prescribed medication but was not taking it, and that he was unemployed with limited financial resources.

  • Kovko allegedly sent the threatening messages last month.
  • Kovko was arrested on April 3, 2026.

The players

Michael Kovko

A 29-year-old Chicago resident who was arrested and charged with transmitting threats in interstate commerce after allegedly sending graphic messages threatening to kill Barron Trump and assassinate President Donald Trump.

Barron Trump

The youngest son of President Donald Trump, who was the target of Kovko's alleged threats to decapitate him.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who was the target of Kovko's alleged assassination threats.

United States Secret Service

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for protecting the president, first family, and other high-ranking officials, which investigated Kovko's threats.

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What they’re saying

“I'm going to take a serrated knife and saw Barron Trump's head off after I successfully stake out the president of the United States with a high-caliber sniper rifle permanently aimed at the White House Lawn.”

— Michael Kovko

“This is a serious threat.”

— Michael Kovko

What’s next

A detention hearing for Kovko was scheduled for Friday, April 10, 2026. If convicted, he faces up to five years in federal prison.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for law enforcement to remain vigilant against any threats, no matter how extreme or unlikely, to the president, his family, and other high-profile figures. It also highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues that may contribute to such criminal behavior and the potential dangers of individuals with limited resources and access to weapons.