Maryland Man Faces Charges for Threats Against President of the United States and Other Domestic Terrorism Charges

Baltimore, Maryland - The U.S. Attorney's Office announced, today, that a Maryland man made his initial appearance in federal court in connection with domestic terrorism charges.

Donald Franklin Swope, 53, is charged by criminal complaint for threats against the President of the United States; interstate communication containing a threat to harm; and influencing, impeding, or retaliating against a federal official by threatening or injuring a family member.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the criminal complaint with Special Agent in Charge Brian McDonough, United States Secret Service (USSS) - Baltimore Field Office.

According to the criminal complaint, between May 12, 2026, and July 27, Swope repeatedly made Facebook posts about harming President Donald J. Trump. Additionally, on August 5, Swope made multiple Facebooks posts threatening the USSS. Then Swope continued to post threatening posts from August 6 until August 8.

This case is part of the nationwide National Security Presidential Memorandum 7 initiative, which is a White House directed, interagency effort to integrate federal, state, and local partners in protecting First Amendment rights while targeting individuals and organizations engaged in political violence and is led by the investigative and prosecutorial Joint Task Force Vanguard.

A criminal complaint is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by criminal complaint are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.

If convicted, Swope faces a maximum of five years in prison for each count of threatening communications and 10 years for influencing, impeding, or retaliating against a federal official.

Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the USSS for its work on this case. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia McLane, who is prosecuting the federal case.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney's Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.

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