Who is Nick Fuentes? Watch assassination attempt on far-right influencer as police kill alleged attacker

Far-right streamer and political influencer

Nick Fuentes

claimed that an

assassination attempt

was made on his life at his residence in Berwyn, Illinois, on Wednesday night. The dramatic incident, which saw police kill the alleged assailant, has raised new questions about Fuentes' controversial influence and online presence.
The incident
At around 11:40 pm local time, Berwyn police responded to a call about a person with a gun near Fuentes' home. Police later identified the suspect as 24-year-old

John R. Lyons

of Westchester, Illinois, who had reportedly fled into a nearby house, killed two dogs, and then made his way onto Fuentes' block. Officers confronted Lyons, who allegedly shot at them after ignoring verbal commands to stop. In response, police returned fire, fatally wounding Lyons.
Fuentes shares alarming footage

In the aftermath of the attempted attack, Fuentes took to social media, sharing footage from his Ring doorbell camera. The video showed a man, wearing a helmet and carrying a firearm and a crossbow, approaching Fuentes' home. In his post on X (formerly Twitter), Fuentes described the terrifying moment:
"The killer parked his car in front of my house and approached my door with his pistol drawn and what appears to be a crossbow. I was livestreaming at the time. He rings the doorbell, tries the doorknob and yells, ‘Yo Nick!’"

Despite Fuentes' claims, police have yet to confirm whether he was specifically targeted during the incident. However, Fuentes insisted that the man was a “would-be assassin” and stated, "Last night an armed killer made an attempt on my life at my home, which was recently doxed on this platform. The gunman carried a pistol, crossbow, and incendiary devices. I believe he intended to kill me. He is now dead. I am okay!”
Connection to triple homicide
Fuentes shared that police had informed him the alleged assailant was involved in a triple homicide earlier in the evening in Mahomet, Illinois. The victims, identified as Sara Mason, 26, and Janis L. Mason, 61, both died from gunshot wounds, while Caleb M. Mason, 23, succumbed to injuries at a local hospital. The motive for these killings remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing by the Champaign County Coroner's Office, Mahomet Police Department, and Illinois State Police.

A close call
The confrontation between Lyons and police in Berwyn could have had a far worse outcome. "While heartbreaking, it could have been so unimaginably worse. God have mercy," Fuentes wrote, referring to the death of his neighbor's two dogs at the hands of the alleged assailant.
In a separate post, Fuentes expressed gratitude for his survival, writing, “I am grateful to God that I am still alive today.” He also thanked police for their swift response, which led to the assailant's death.

Prior legal issues
The assassination attempt came just one day before Fuentes was scheduled to appear in court on a misdemeanor battery charge. Fuentes, known for his controversial far-right views and online presence, faces allegations of pepper-spraying a woman, Marla Rose, at his home on November 10. Rose had confronted Fuentes after he posted a controversial message online. Fuentes was later charged with battery and is set to appear in court on December 19.
This legal issue is just one chapter in Fuentes’ history of controversial actions. He previously gained attention for attending a 2022 dinner with former President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago and for his participation in the 2017 Charlottesville rally. He has also been banned from several social media platforms due to his extreme views.
Fuentes’ response to the threat
Following the attempted attack, Fuentes shared his plans to secure his safety, acknowledging the need for heightened protection. "If anybody would like to contribute to defray the cost ($13,000/week) of

private security

and rebuilding my studio, here is a donation link. I can only accept cryptocurrency because I am banned from banking services and CC processing. Thank you,” Fuentes said.
He also expressed the challenges of continuing his life while facing such threats: “I will now have to uproot my life and relocate. While I can handle whatever comes to my front door, it is irresponsible to expect my neighbors with young families to share that burden.”
What’s next for Fuentes?
The police investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and authorities have yet to confirm the full details surrounding Lyons' motives. As for Fuentes, the incident has further polarized opinions about his presence in far-right media, with his claims of being a target of violence further escalating his already contentious public persona.
The attempt on his life, combined with his ongoing legal battles and contentious rhetoric, underscores the growing tensions within the far-right sphere and the consequences of fueling extreme political discourse. As Fuentes continues to advocate for his views, questions remain about the risks of his public profile, especially as he faces increased threats from both sides of the political spectrum.