In May 2020, amid the turbulence of a pandemic-era presidential campaign, federal authorities arrested a man in North Carolina who was found with weapons, explosives, and detailed plans that included targeting Joe Biden, then the presumptive Democratic nominee. Though the threat received limited media attention at the time, the case—rooted in a disturbing mix of violence, mental illness, and political hatred—underscored the dangers posed by lone-wolf extremists during an already volatile election year.
Political and Social Context
The United States in mid-2020 was in crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic had shut down much of the economy, and a contentious presidential election was underway. Joe Biden, having emerged as the Democratic nominee, was campaigning largely from home to comply with public health guidance, while President Donald Trump continued to hold public events and attack his rival.
Simultaneously, racial justice protests swept the country after the killing of George Floyd, further intensifying national polarization. Conspiracy theories, extremist rhetoric, and online disinformation flourished in this climate, fueling an uptick in threats against political leaders.
The Secret Service and FBI were already tracking a surge in threats linked to both pandemic politics and election-related anger. Biden, as a high-profile political figure and target of frequent right-wing conspiracy narratives, was a particular focus.
The Plot
The would-be assassin was identified as Alexander Hillel Treisman, a 19-year-old man from Silver Spring, Maryland. He was arrested in Kannapolis, North Carolina, after employees at a local bank reported an abandoned van in the parking lot. Upon inspection, police found multiple firearms, a bulletproof vest, explosive materials, and more than half a million dollars in cash.
Upon further investigation, authorities discovered on Treisman’s devices a detailed plan to assassinate Joe Biden. He had conducted internet searches for Biden’s home address, obtained a checklist titled “should I kill Joe Biden,” and made travel plans to areas near Biden’s residence. He had also posted disturbing memes and messages online supporting mass shootings and referencing terrorist figures.
Timeline
- May 3, 2020: Police in Kannapolis, NC, investigate an abandoned van and arrest Alexander Treisman on weapons charges.
- May–October 2020: Investigators uncover social media posts, written documents, and online searches referencing an assassination plot targeting Joe Biden.
- October 2020: Federal authorities publicly disclose details in a court filing as Treisman remains in custody.
- November 3, 2020: Joe Biden is elected the 46th President of the United States.
The Assassination Attempt
While Treisman never made a physical move against Biden, the evidence pointed to a clear trajectory. He had traveled cross-country with firearms, conducted extensive online research on Biden’s movements, and compiled disturbing written and digital content expressing admiration for mass murderers and fantasies of political violence.
Court documents stated that Treisman “possessed materials referencing a possible plan to assassinate Joe Biden,” including timelines, travel plans, and lists. He also posted online, “Should I kill Joe Biden?” and appeared to be waiting for the “right time” to act.
His fixation on mass shootings and possession of child pornography added further urgency to the case.
Immediate Aftermath
The Biden campaign did not comment on the plot, and it received relatively limited media attention due to the concurrent COVID-19 crisis, Black Lives Matter protests, and the contentious election atmosphere. However, federal prosecutors treated the case as a serious national security matter.
The Secret Service increased protective measures around Biden, and the FBI opened a full domestic terrorism investigation into Treisman’s background, digital history, and possible connections.
Investigation and Arrests
Treisman was arrested and initially charged with possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance. Additional evidence collected after his arrest included:
- Eight firearms, including an AR-15 style rifle
- Explosive components (tannerite)
- More than $500,000 in cash, believed to be an inheritance
- Documents and internet searches related to assassinating Biden, targeting a mosque, and committing mass shootings
- Child pornography found on multiple devices
Authorities did not find evidence of accomplices. Treisman acted alone, but his writings revealed intent and ideological obsession with political violence and notoriety.
Trial and Legal Proceedings
In October 2020, federal prosecutors revealed the assassination-related evidence in a motion opposing Treisman’s release. A judge agreed, ruling that Treisman posed a danger to the public and should remain detained pending trial.
He was not formally charged with plotting to kill Joe Biden, but the assassination plans were presented as part of the government’s argument for his continued detention and as context in the weapons and child pornography charges.
As of 2021, Treisman faced multiple federal charges, including unlawful possession of firearms and child pornography. Legal proceedings continued into 2022, with Treisman remaining in federal custody.
Punishments and Legacy of the Conspirator
Treisman has not been tried specifically for an attempt on Biden’s life, but the materials uncovered leave little doubt about the seriousness of his intent. His case became a chilling example of how internet culture, mental instability, and violent ideation can converge into a real-world threat.
Though ultimately stopped before taking action, Treisman’s case added to a growing body of lone-wolf threats that defined the late 2010s and early 2020s. It revealed how young, radicalized men can access weapons, plan interstate crimes, and fantasize about high-profile political violence under the radar of law enforcement—until they are caught by chance.
Long-Term Impact on the Nation
The Treisman plot reinforced the need for early intervention in cases of online extremism and behavioral threat assessment. His capture was a stroke of luck, sparked not by digital surveillance or threat reporting, but by a local tip about a suspicious vehicle.
The Secret Service and FBI further emphasized the need to monitor fringe platforms and encrypted spaces where violent ideologies fester. The case also renewed calls for legislation linking mental health red flags to firearms restrictions and prevention of radicalization online.
Most importantly, it highlighted that even as the nation focused on pandemic recovery and social unrest, threats to democracy—both ideological and physical—remained close at hand.
Controversies and Conspiracy Theories
Because Treisman was not officially charged with an assassination plot, some critics argued the case was underreported. Others questioned why a white suspect with a cache of weapons and violent plans was not treated as a domestic terrorist.
Still, the evidence against Treisman—especially his documented intent—was compelling, and federal prosecutors clearly considered him a significant threat. No conspiracy theories surrounding a cover-up emerged, and the case has since been cited in domestic terrorism studies.
Primary Source Appendix
- U.S. District Court filings: United States v. Treisman (2020–2022)
- Affidavits and search warrants detailing Treisman’s writings, searches, and weapons cache
- Justice Department press releases
- Media coverage from CNN, NBC News, The Charlotte Observer, and BuzzFeed News (May–November 2020)
- Secret Service and FBI reports on candidate protection and domestic threat escalation during the 2020 election
- Behavioral analysis reports on lone-actor terrorism and online radicalization