On June 18, 2016, twenty-year-old British national Michael Steven Sandford attempted to take a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police officer’s gun during a rally at Treasure Island’s Mystère Theatre in Paradise, Nevada. Sandford, who later confessed he intended to shoot Trump, was immediately subdued and arrested. Though no shots were fired and Trump was unharmed, the incident was the first known assassination attempt against him during his 2016 campaign.
Political and Social Context
By mid-2016, Donald Trump was prohibitive in the Republican primaries but deeply divisive nationwide. His rhetoric on immigration, race, and national security fuelled both strong support and fierce opposition. Reports of violent confrontations at his rallies raised concerns as Trump drew large, highly charged crowds—creating a volatile security environment .
Security at campaign events was intense, with magnetometers, barricades, and close-protection officers. Yet, the Sandford incident exposed vulnerabilities when anti-Trump individuals managed to infiltrate the venue and come dangerously close to an officer with a firearm.
The Plot
Michael Steven Sandford traveled from Surrey, England, to Las Vegas on a tourist visa. He visited a shooting range on June 16 to rent and fire a .22 caliber pistol—apparently his first time shooting. On June 18, he joined the rally queue at Treasure Island and waited until 11:35 a.m., when he approached Officer Ameel Jacob, claiming he wanted Trump’s autograph. In that moment, Sandford tried to grab the officer’s service pistol.
Timeline
- June 16, 2016: Sandford attends a shooting range in Las Vegas.
- June 17: He queues for the Trump rally at Treasure Island.
- June 18, ~11:35 a.m.: Sandford attempts to seize Officer Jacob’s gun and is tackled.
- Minutes later: San Francisco Secret Service and LVMPD take him into custody.
- September 13, 2016: He pleads guilty to federal charges.
- December 13, 2016: Sandford is sentenced to 12 months and one day, fined $200, released and deported after 11 months.
The Assassination Attempt
Sandford did not fire a shot, but intention was clear. Post-arrest, he admitted he had planned for about a year to kill Trump by seizing the officer’s gun—expecting he would then be killed by security. His lack of weapons and nervous state suggested poor planning, but his commitment was chilling. The swift intervention prevented a potentially fatal encounter.
Immediate Aftermath
The revelation of an assassination attempt stunned both campaign officials and the public. Trump praised law enforcement: “We love our police,” he said as Sandford was removed. Though coverage remained limited amid the chaotic campaign, federal authorities took the threat seriously and launched an extensive investigation and review of rally security.
Investigation and Arrests
Sandford was detained by LVMPD and handed over to the Secret Service. He waived his Miranda rights and confessed to his intent to assassinate Trump . A criminal complaint charged him with illegal firearm possession (since he’d rented the gun illegally while overstaying his visa) and disrupting a government function.
Trial and Legal Proceedings
In September 2016, Sandford pleaded guilty to two federal felony charges: illegal possession of a firearm and impeding official functions. He received a sentence of 12 months and one day in prison, plus a $200 fine, followed by deportation to the UK in May 2017. The court acknowledged his mental health issues, noting he heard voices, but concluded the prison term and deportation were appropriate .
Punishments and Legacy of the Conspirator
Despite serving only 11 months and returning to the UK, Sandford’s name became a cautionary example of campaign-related violence. His case highlighted the security risks posed by lone actors inspired by political grievances and the challenges posed by mental illness. The BBC’s documentary The Brit Who Tried to Kill Trump critically examined mental healthcare gaps in the UK, showcasing how Sandford’s condition may have gone undiagnosed or untreated.
Long-Term Impact on the Nation
Though minor in scope, the incident triggered campaign security overhauls. The Secret Service scrambled to tighten protocols around rally weapon checks, officer preparedness, and crowd management. The plot set a precedent: any legitimate campaign attendee could be a potential threat—and security teams must anticipate even the most unlikely danger.
Controversies and Conspiracy Theories
Sandford’s mental health and British nationality led to debate over whether he should have received psychiatric help rather than imprisonment. Critics noted his Asperger’s syndrome diagnosis and voiced concern about criminalizing mental illness . Fortunately, there were no credible conspiracy claims—authorities agreed he acted alone with no political ties—and the isolated nature of the attempt affirmed its status as a lone-wolf incident.
Primary Source Appendix
- Court documents from U.S. v. Sandford (2016)
- ATF and Secret Service investigative files
- Media coverage from BBC, The Independent, CBS News, The Washington Post, and The Guardian en.wikipedia.org
- BBC documentary The Brit Who Tried to Kill Trump (2017)
- Official Justice Department sentencing report justice.gov
- Technological recommendations post-incident for campaign security