Federal authorities have charged an Alabama man with plotting to target a journalist who had previously reported on him, according to law enforcement testimony and court documents.

Aiden Daniel Cuevas allegedly used coded language during conversations with an undercover officer in November 2024, referring to the journalist as a "pawn" that "needed to be taken off the board," according to testimony obtained by news outlets. Authorities say Cuevas was attempting to establish a paramilitary unit focused on eliminating what he characterized as "high value targets."

Law enforcement sources familiar with the case indicate that Cuevas, described as the commander of what authorities characterize as a terrorist organization, also allegedly discussed wanting to target Ivanka Trump, the daughter of President Donald Trump, as part of a broader series of planned attacks.

The charges against Cuevas appear to stem from an ongoing federal investigation into domestic terrorism activities. Court documents suggest authorities used undercover operations to gather evidence about the alleged plotting.

Federal prosecutors have not yet released additional details about the specific charges or the timeline of the alleged conspiracy. The case represents part of broader federal efforts to monitor and prosecute domestic terrorism threats targeting public figures and members of the media.