The FBI seal is shown on the J. Edgar Hoover building in Washington, DC, on August 9, 2022. Getty Images
A 17-year-old boy from Wisconsin faces serious accusations after authorities say he killed his parents in a disturbing plan to assassinate former President Donald Trump. Investigators claim the teen, Nikita Casap, took these actions to gain money and freedom to carry out the plot.
Court records show Casap faces nine state charges, including two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of hiding a corpse. Federal authorities are also charging him with planning an assassination, conspiracy, and trying to use weapons of mass destruction.
According to police, Casap killed his mother, Tatiana Casap, and his stepfather, Donald Mayer, on February 11. Their bodies were not discovered until February 28, when police checked the family’s home in Waukesha County. Both had died from gunshot wounds. Casap was not at the house, and Mayer’s SUV was missing.
Later that day, police in Kansas stopped Mayer’s SUV and found Casap driving it. Inside the vehicle, police found $14,000 in cash, over $14,000 in jewelry, and a .357 Magnum revolver, which belonged to Mayer.
Police found troubling materials on Casap’s phone. One item included a document that talked about killing Trump to spark a revolution in the country. It also claimed the act could help “save the white race.” The document included pictures of Adolf Hitler and white supremacist slogans.
The FBI also discovered messages and pictures showing how to turn a drone into a weapon. Investigators believe Casap bought a drone and some explosives as part of the plan. They also found photos of Mayer’s credit and debit cards and the login information for a bank account.
Casap had written messages that showed interest in joining an extremist group known for white supremacist views. He also had conversations about bomb-making and other terror-related plans.
A classmate told police that Casap talked about killing his parents. At the time, Casap didn’t have a gun. Later, Casap said he would make friends with someone who had a gun and steal it.
Casap also mentioned talking to someone in Russia. He reportedly said they were working together to remove the U.S. government and assassinate Trump.
Police also found texts suggesting Casap planned to flee to Ukraine. In one message, he asked if he could live a normal life there even if people found out what he had done.
He is expected to appear in court on May 7 for arraignment. So far, he hasn’t entered a plea.
