Assassination Attempts Against Former President Trump
A recent assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner adds to a growing tally of such threats, now exceeding ten since he ventured into politics.
In the days leading up to the incident, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York suggested that the political environment among Democrats was entering an “era of maximum war,” a statement that garnered backlash from Republicans who argued that such rhetoric could incite violence.
The assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk has sparked discussions about the need for politicians and activists to “lower the temperature,” emphasizing a shared concern across party lines.
Critics have labeled Trump with terms like “fascist” and “Nazi” since he entered the political arena in 2015, and such comparisons have only intensified since his presidency began in January 2025. Many of his detractors claim that they view Trump as a “white supremacist” and a “bully,” justifying their violent intentions.
“Despite multiple attempts on his life by cowardly individuals, President Trump remains undaunted,” stated White House press secretary Alison Schuster. “He will not allow a deranged individual to alter the fabric of our country or dictate how Americans live. The President and his administration will continue to stand strong for the American public.”
Below is a timeline detailing known attempts on Trump’s life.
March 12, 2016 — Dayton, Ohio
During the 2016 campaign, at a rally in Dayton, a 22-year-old protestor attempted to breach security and storm the stage. Stopped by the Secret Service, he claimed he was trying to “bully a bully” and make a statement against Trump. He faced misdemeanor battery charges and got a year of probation.
June 18, 2016 — Las Vegas
A British man, Michael Stephen Sandford, attempted to snatch a police officer’s gun at a Trump rally, expressing his intention to “shoot Trump.” Diagnosed with autism, he received a year and a day in federal prison and was later deported.
September 6, 2017 — Mandan, North Dakota
During a speech at a refinery, Gregory Lee Reingan attempted to crash a stolen forklift into Trump’s motorcade, aiming to flip his limousine. The plan failed when the forklift got stuck, leading to a 20-year prison sentence for Reingan.
November 2017 — Manila, Philippines
While in Manila for the ASEAN-50 Summit, ISIS released multiple videos threatening Trump’s life, including one showing him with bullet holes. Secret Service agents arrested one operative shortly before Trump’s arrival at the hotel.
September 2020 — Canada
Pascal Cécile Véronique Ferrier, a Canadian woman, mailed ricin and threats to various officials, urging Trump to cancel his candidacy. Caught at the border, she was found with a loaded gun and sentenced to over 21 years in prison.
April 2024 — Iranian Conspiracy
Asif Raza Merchant, a Pakistani linked to the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, came to the U.S. tasked with orchestrating political assassinations, including targeting Trump. He was caught in a sting operation involving undercover agents and was convicted in 2026.
July 13, 2024 — Butler, Pennsylvania
Thomas Matthew Crooks shot at Trump during a rally, grazing him and killing a protester. Secret Service agents killed Crooks. His motivations remain largely unexplained, raising questions about security measures.
September 15, 2024 — West Palm Beach, Florida
Ryan Wesley Routh was arrested while hiding near Trump’s golf course with a rifle. In his justification for assassination, he accused Trump of being a threat to democracy and was later sentenced to life.
February 2026 — Palm Beach, Florida
Austin Tucker Martin breached Mar-a-Lago’s security with a shotgun and gas can. He was killed by Secret Service agents, with unclear motives.
April 25, 2026 — Washington, D.C.
Cole Thomas Allen, a 31-year-old schoolteacher, attempted to storm the ballroom at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, firing several shots before being subdued by Secret Service. Investigators believe he aimed to kill various senior officials, including Trump.
