A Bold Claim to the CIA Sparks Investigation (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Chicago — A 29-year-old Chicago man landed in federal custody last week following a series of explicit online threats to assassinate President Donald Trump. Michael Kovco allegedly detailed his plans in messages sent to the CIA and White House websites, including promises to use a heavy-caliber sniper rifle on the White House lawn. Federal investigators traced the communications back to him through personal contact details he provided.[1]
A Bold Claim to the CIA Sparks Investigation
The ordeal began last summer when Kovco contacted the CIA’s official website. On August 15, 2025, he declared, “I am plotting to kill the president … in an ambush.”[1] He specified a “heavy caliber anti-materiel rifle” for the attack and even requested authorities clear a line of fire from the White House to Marine One during the president’s next departure from the garden.
Anti-materiel rifles represent powerful, long-range weapons typically designed to disable vehicles or equipment, underscoring the gravity of his stated intent. Investigators noted the message included Kovco’s phone number and email, which facilitated quick identification. This initial threat set federal agencies on alert, though no immediate action followed at that stage.
Gruesome Threats Target Trump and His Son
Activity resumed months later with messages to the White House site on March 17, 2026. Kovco wrote that he planned to “saw Barron Trump’s head off with a serrated knife” after staking out the president with a sniper rifle aimed at the White House lawn.[1] He emphasized, “I have absolutely every intent of plotting and carrying out an active assassination attempt against the President of the United States of America. This is a serious threat.”
The threats extended to U.S. Secret Service agents as well. Kovco vowed to “hunt” any agent who approached him and warned against sharing personal details, claiming he would respond with a concealable firearm at their workplace. He also described plans to acquire a high-caliber assault rifle, build improvised explosive devices, and place them around Washington, D.C., to seek “justice for my rape from the US government.”
- Ambush President Trump with heavy-caliber sniper rifle on White House lawn.
- Saw off Barron Trump’s head using a serrated bread knife.
- Hunt and shoot Secret Service agents.
- Assemble and deploy IEDs in D.C.
- Purchase assault rifle with large magazine.
Escalation Follows Federal Visit
Federal agents and Secret Service task force officers visited Kovco’s Chicago residence on March 17 or 18, 2026, to question him about the threats. Just two hours later, on March 19, he sent additional messages to the White House. Posing as an “admiral,” he reiterated his assassination plans and intensified warnings against law enforcement.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August 15, 2025 | CIA message about sniper ambush. |
| March 17, 2026 | White House threats against Trump and Barron; agent visit. |
| March 19, 2026 | Post-visit messages with IED and agent threats. |
| April 3, 2026 | Arrest in Chicago. |
These communications provided prosecutors with clear evidence of interstate threat transmission. Authorities moved swiftly after the latest barrage, leading to Kovco’s detention.
Federal Charges and Ongoing Case
Prosecutors in the Northern District of Illinois charged Kovco with transmitting a threat in interstate commerce. Conviction carries a potential sentence of up to five years in federal prison. The complaint details his messages verbatim, highlighting their specificity and persistence.DOJ Press Release
The case draws attention to the challenges of monitoring online threats against high-profile figures. Federal agencies emphasized their commitment to public safety in the announcement. Court proceedings continue as Kovco awaits further hearings.
Key Takeaways
- Kovco’s threats spanned months and multiple government sites.
- Personal details in messages enabled rapid tracing.
- Charges focus on interstate commerce violation, with up to 5 years possible.
Federal authorities demonstrated swift action in neutralizing this potential danger before it escalated further. The incident serves as a reminder of the real-world impact of online rhetoric. What are your thoughts on handling such threats in the digital age? Share in the comments below.
