Far-right streamer Nick Fuentes claimed he was the target of a deadly assassination attempt at his Berwyn, Illinois, home on Wednesday evening, December 18, 2024. Fuentes, known for his extremist views and controversial online presence, took to social media to recount the harrowing episode, which involved police fatally shooting his alleged assailant.
According to the Berwyn Police Department, officers responded to the scene around 11:40 PM following reports of a male armed with a gun. The attacker was identified as 24-year-old John R. Lyons from Westchester, Illinois. Prior to approaching Fuentes' residence, Lyons was involved in a triple homicide earlier the same day, shooting three people—identified as Janis, Sara, and Caleb Mason—in Mahomet, Illinois, about 144 miles away.
Fuentes recounted the moment the armed man approached his home, detailing events on X (formerly known as Twitter). "Last night, an armed killer made an attempt on my life at my home, which was recently doxed on this platform," he wrote, also noting the suspect was equipped with both a handgun and a crossbow, as well as incendiary devices. "I believe he intended to kill me. He is now dead. I am okay!"
The violent series of events escalated quickly after Lyons allegedly fled on foot from the police, breaking entered nearby homes before turning aggressive. Witness accounts described the chaotic scene, with police ordering Lyons to drop his weapon. Instead, police reported, he opened fire on them, prompting officers to return fire and fatally wound him.
Surveillance footage shared by Fuentes showed the gunman arriving at his front door, shouting, “Yo Nick!” before attempting to gain entry. Despite Fuentes asserting he was targeted, the police have yet to confirm whether Lyons had any specific motive against him. The situation raised alarm bells among neighbors, with one commenting, "It was like hearing a movie; all I heard were police yelling, 'Put your f------ hands up.'"
Making the incident even more chilling was the fact Lyons had earlier been involved in killing two dogs during his evasion of the police. Following the police shooting, neighbors recounted the intensity of the moment, with one expressing disbelief over the circumstances surrounding Fuentes and the suspect’s appearance near his home.
This disturbing incident came just one day before Fuentes was scheduled to appear in court related to another legal issue concerning claims he assaulted Marla Rose, who confronted him over comments made on social media. Rose accused Fuentes of pepper-spraying her during their encounter. His chaotic personal life coupled with the recent assassination attempt has placed him under greater scrutiny from both the public and law enforcement.
Fuentes continued to share his fears and thoughts about the event on social media, stating, "I am grateful to God I am still alive today," and condemned the act of doxing, declaring, "Doxing is not a game." He emphasized the urgency of the situation by highlighting the extreme threat it posed, not just to him, but to his neighbors who have families.
The fatal confrontation police had with Lyons reflects broader societal tensions surrounding the far-right sphere and the dangerous consequences of inflamed political rhetoric, as Fuentes and his actions continue to polarize public perception. The police have launched investigations to clarify all circumstances of the incident, including Lyons’ motives.
Following the near-tragic event, Fuentes declared intentions to bolster his security measures. Stunned by the severity of the threat against him and the deadly outcome, Fuentes noted the financial burdens associated with ensuring his safety. His response came as he called for public contributions to cover new security measures, which he pegged at $13,000 per week.
This incident marks just another chapter in Fuentes’ controversial life, previously marked by remarks seen as reflective of white supremacist ideologies. The incident has reignited discussions about the growing dangers related to right-wing extremism and the consequences associated with the doxing culture proliferated across social media platforms.
Despite Fuentes’ resilient tone, the events serve as grim reminders of the potential for violence lurking at the confluence of extremist behavior and personal antagonism, compounding the already volatile narrative surrounding figures like Fuentes. His calls for donations to fund security also stir debate over the dynamics of influence and the perilous nature of public life imbued with inflammatory rhetoric.
With the police investigation still active, there remains much uncertainty about how this incident will affect Fuentes moving forward. Yet one thing is evident: the tensions surrounding his presence continue to escalate, and raising alarm within communities increasingly affected by the extreme ideologies he embodies.
