“Out of concern for operational security, we do not discuss matters of protective intelligence,” he added.
The response followed reports that a nearly three-minute video aired over the weekend on Iranian broadcaster IRIB, a state media network associated with Iran’s ruling establishment. The outlet is widely regarded as operating under the influence of the regime, with its leadership ultimately tied to the country’s supreme leader.
The video was also reportedly broadcast on Channel 3, which has been linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
According to reports describing the footage, the segment opened with a shocking English-language message asking, “Where to kill Barron Trump?!” Other versions of the translated graphic rendered the phrase as “Where to Kill Barron Trump.”
The program reportedly identified Barron Trump, 20, as a “target” and used stylized images involving places where he is publicly known to spend time.
Among the locations referenced were Trump Tower in New York City and a Washington address connected to New York University. Reports specifically mentioned references to dormitories at NYU’s Constance Milstein & Family Global Academic Center.
The broadcast has drawn particular attention because it appeared to move beyond the Iranian regime’s frequent attacks on President Trump himself and place direct focus on a member of his family.
However, some important questions remain about the video’s circulation and several of the claims associated with it.
Multiple news organizations, including The Jerusalem Post and The New York Post, reported that they were unable to independently locate the original footage on Channel 3’s official platforms. Those outlets also said they could not independently verify claims involving alleged surveillance, online account information, or reports of a bounty connected to the segment.
That uncertainty has not changed the Secret Service’s public position.
The agency said it is aware of the material and investigates communications or content that could reasonably be interpreted as a threat against individuals under its protection.
Barron Trump has generally remained outside the political spotlight compared with other members of the Trump family, making the reported Iranian broadcast especially alarming.
This is also not the first time Iranian media has produced provocative content involving members of President Trump’s family.
Reports noted that Iranian outlets had previously circulated material targeting First Lady Melania Trump, including a video titled “Where to Kill Melania?” That earlier production reportedly concluded with a reference to Barron Trump.
The latest episode is now being viewed within the context of broader threats and hostile messaging directed at President Trump and those closest to him.
While speaking with CNN, a federal law enforcement source described the newly reported video as part of a wider stream of Iranian content focused on President Trump and his family. According to the source, some of that material has gone beyond political rhetoric and has included references to movement details and suggestions aimed at members of the family.
The case highlights the increasingly dangerous intersection of foreign propaganda, online threats, and the security challenges facing high-profile political families.
For the Secret Service, even material that cannot immediately be verified as a credible operational threat may still warrant investigation. Publicly circulating videos that identify protected individuals, portray known locations, or encourage violence can be significant from a protective intelligence standpoint.
The agency has not disclosed whether it has identified a specific suspect, confirmed the alleged bounty, or determined whether the reported segment was connected to a broader operational threat.
As Herring made clear, the Secret Service is unlikely to reveal details of any protective measures or intelligence assessment.
“Out of concern for operational security, we do not discuss matters of protective intelligence,” he added.
For now, the most significant confirmed development is that the Secret Service is aware of the video and is investigating material it believes could be perceived as threatening toward one of its protectees.
The disturbing episode serves as another reminder that the threats surrounding American political figures do not always originate inside the United States—and that, increasingly, family members can become targets of hostile foreign messaging as well.
