‘I’ll take him out’: Security guard accused of plotting to assassinate Trump with suicide bomb, prosecutors say

A Las Vegas security guard found himself at the center of federal charges after authorities say he posted a video outlining plans to assassinate President Donald Trump using a suicide bomb. The case highlights ongoing concerns about political violence and the reach of online rhetoric in an already tense environment. Prosecutors allege the man made his intentions clear in the clip, which spread quickly before law enforcement stepped in.

Nathaniel Smith, who worked in private security, faces a felony bomb threat charge following a grand jury indictment. His trial is set for later this year. The incident underscores the challenges officials face in distinguishing between heated speech and credible threats amid heightened security around public figures.

The Video That Sparked the Investigation

In the TikTok recording, Smith reportedly stated he would carry out the act if supporters helped him escape afterward. He referenced using a suicide bomb and emphasized that he was serious, according to court documents and police testimony. The post included text overlays reinforcing his message and quickly drew attention from users across platforms.

Law enforcement received a tip about the content in March. Investigators from the Las Vegas Metro Police Counterterrorism Section interviewed Smith, who initially acknowledged making the video but later described it as a joke. The clip had already circulated widely on X, TikTok, and Instagram, amplified by accounts focused on conservative commentary.

Smith’s Background and Employment

Smith held a position with St. Moritz Security Services in Las Vegas prior to the allegations. The company confirmed his employment ended in January and stated it does not tolerate threats against public officials. Officials there pledged full cooperation with investigators while declining further comment due to the active case.

His role as a security guard added another layer to the story, raising questions about access and vetting in sensitive positions. Authorities have not publicly detailed any prior incidents involving Smith, but the case has prompted renewed scrutiny of how personal views might intersect with professional responsibilities in protective services.

Details of the Alleged Threats

Prosecutors say Smith told viewers he would act “for the people” and sought assistance to leave the country after the event. He allegedly used hashtags including #Trump and #FightBack in the post. Grand jury testimony indicated he showed no remorse during his initial interview with police.

The language in the video left little room for interpretation, according to those who reviewed it. Smith reportedly said he was willing to proceed if others provided financial support and extraction help, framing the act as something he would follow through on without hesitation.

The Path to Indictment and Trial

Following the tip, federal and local authorities moved to build a case centered on the bomb threat charge. A grand jury reviewed evidence, including transcripts and testimony from counterterrorism officials, leading to the indictment last month. Smith is scheduled for a trial readiness hearing in October, with the full jury trial expected in November.

This timeline reflects the deliberate pace of such prosecutions, where digital evidence requires careful verification and chain of custody. The proceedings will likely examine the context of the statements and whether they crossed into criminal territory under federal threat statutes.

Broader Implications for Political Security

Cases like this one continue to test the balance between free expression and public safety in a polarized climate. Threats against presidents and candidates have increased in recent years, forcing law enforcement to monitor social media more closely while navigating First Amendment protections.

Security protocols around high-profile events and figures remain under constant review. The viral nature of Smith’s video demonstrates how quickly content can escalate from personal posting to national attention, adding pressure on platforms and investigators alike to respond effectively.