This all went down on Tuesday afternoon, when Apex police arrested Daniel Swain, 40, after officers said he made threats toward President Donald Trump. Police responded around 2:30 p.m. to the Tidal Wave Auto Spa on Lake Pine Drive after a concerned person reported a suspicious vehicle, according to the Apex Police Department.
Officers found Swain, who they said was making threats directed toward Trump. Investigators also observed threatening messages written on the outside of his car.
As a precaution, officers conducted a search of the vehicle for explosive devices, a standard procedure in cases involving threats, police said. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation assisted during the response.
The United States Secret Service was notified and responded to the car wash to assist with the investigation.
Who is Daniel Swain?
Law enforcement swarmed the Tidal Wave Auto Spa after someone who was concerned about the message called authorities.
Daniel Swain was detained and taken to the Wake County Detention Center, where he was charged with resisting a public officer, possession of methamphetamine and having a fictitious license plate, according to police.
The message reads "headed to WSH to kill the Pres."
As a precaution, officers conducted a search of the vehicle for explosive devices, a standard procedure in cases involving threats, police said. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation assisted during the response.
He is facing local charges in Wake County and addressed the judge at his arraignment.
"I'm unemployed. I'm a United States Army veteran, third generation, and this is a little ridiculous," Swain said.
According to a federal arrest warrant obtained by ABC11, Swain allegedly told law enforcement his motivation was the perceived wrongful death of his father, uncle, and grandfather.
Preliminary information indicates that Swain was traveling from South Carolina toward Washington, D.C., authorities said.
Swain does have a criminal history. In 2024, he was arrested and charged with "obstructing governmental operations."
We learned in the federal arrest warrant that the Secret Service previously interviewed Swain in January of 2025 and then again in April of 2025 - both times for threatening Facebook posts.
Jamin Wattson manages a pizzeria across the street from where Swain was taken into custody.
"It was kind of alarming to say the least," he said. "It's very crazy because this is a pretty quiet town."
ABC11 has reached out to Tidal Wave for comment on the incident, but we have not heard back.
"I'm very proud of the officers and the response," said Apex Mayor Jacques Gilbert. "When it comes to any type of political violence, that's unacceptable."
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Apex police said their investigation is complete and was forwarded to the Wake County District Attorney's Office. The U.S. Secret Service is in charge of the federal investigation.
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