Former President Donald Trump has been the subject of numerous assassination attempts and security threats spanning a decade, ranging from incidents at campaign rallies to a recent breach at his golf club. These events have placed him in a unique position regarding security concerns for high-profile political figures.
Early Incidents and Plots
The threats against Trump began early in his political career. In June 2016, Michael Sandford, a British national, attempted to disarm a police officer to seize the officer's weapon during a rally in Las Vegas, Nevada, with the intent to kill Trump. Sandford later pleaded guilty to federal charges and was sentenced to over a year in prison. Shortly after, in September 2017, Gregory Lee Leingang stole a forklift and drove it into a restricted area near Trump's motorcade route in Mandan, North Dakota, intending to overturn the presidential limousine. The forklift became stuck, and Leingang was arrested and pleaded guilty to federal charges.
Threats Involving Dangerous Materials and Escalating Violence
In September 2020, Pascale Ferrier mailed a letter containing homemade ricin to Trump at the White House. The envelope was intercepted before reaching its intended recipient, and Trump was not exposed to the toxin. Ferrier also sent ricin letters to law enforcement officials and was arrested with a firearm and ammunition. She was sentenced to over 20 years in prison for violating biological weapons laws.
The Butler Rally Shooting and Subsequent Incidents
A significant assassination attempt occurred on July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire from a rooftop near a rally. Trump sustained a minor injury to his ear, and two attendees were killed or seriously injured. A Secret Service counter-sniper killed Crooks during the incident. This event led to lawsuits against the federal government by victims alleging preventable failures by the Secret Service.
On September 15, 2024, Ryan Wesley Routh was apprehended near Trump's golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, after being spotted with a rifle concealed in brush along the course fence. A Secret Service agent engaged Routh, causing him to flee without firing. Routh was later convicted of attempted assassination and sentenced to life plus seven years.
Recent Security Breaches and Ongoing Concerns
More recently, on April 25, 2026, Cole Tomas Allen allegedly entered the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner armed with multiple weapons. Prosecutors claim Allen rushed a security checkpoint and fired, striking a Secret Service officer who was protected by a ballistic vest. Trump, the First Lady, and Vice President JD Vance were evacuated. Allen has pleaded not guilty to charges including attempted assassination.
On August 2, 2026, Jeanine John Taele was arrested at Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Authorities recovered an illegally modified rifle, a handgun, body armor, and numerous notebooks containing concerning statements. Taele pleaded not guilty to criminal charges, and his bail was set at $250,000 with restrictions on possessing weapons and accessing the golf club. The Secret Service stated they thoroughly investigate any information perceived as a protective intelligence concern.