Federal Authorities Allege Plot to Assassinate Ivanka Trump was Foiled Before it Could be Carried Out

Federal prosecutors say they have disrupted an alleged assassination plot targeting Ivanka Trump, daughter of President Donald Trump, in what investigators describe as a politically motivated retaliation scheme linked to the 2020 killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani.

Following the alleged plot of President Trump's daughter, the Secret Service beefs up security around the White House as well as other potential high profile target

By Christopher Todd

Reporting from Austin, Texas, USA

May 24, 2026     Updated 3:19 a.m. ET

According to court filings and law-enforcement sources, Iraqi national Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi was arrested after investigators uncovered what they describe as a developing plan to target Ivanka Trump at her Florida residence. Authorities allege the suspect conducted surveillance, gathered information related to her movements, and made threatening statements indicating an intent to carry out an attack.

The White House security staff are on high alert following al-Saadi's arrest

Among the most troubling allegations are statements prosecutors say were made by the suspect online. According to investigators, al-Saadi allegedly boasted that neither private security nor government protection would prevent him from reaching members of the Trump family. Authorities argue those statements demonstrated both intent and determination, prompting an extensive international investigation.

Law-enforcement officials also claim the suspect maintained connections to Iran-backed militant networks and viewed the operation as revenge for the U.S. strike that killed Soleimani. Prosecutors contend the evidence recovered during the investigation—including communications, electronic records, and location-related information—provided sufficient grounds for arrest before the alleged plot advanced further.

The case highlights the continuing security threats facing high-profile political figures and their families. Since surviving two separate assassination attempts during the 2024 presidential campaign, President Trump and his family have remained under heightened security scrutiny.

Former federal investigators have frequently noted that threats against public officials often begin with surveillance, online statements, and operational planning long before an attack is attempted. Prosecutors argue this case followed a similar pattern and required intervention before the alleged plan could progress.

The defendant has been charged in federal court and remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Authorities maintain, however, that the arrest prevented what they believe could have become a serious threat against one of the nation's most recognizable political families.

Editor's Note: The allegations described in this article are drawn from court filings and statements by investigators. The charges remain allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.