Secret Service agent Mike Banning (Gerard Butler) is on security detail with U.S. President Trumbull (Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman) when disaster strikes. A lethal attack leaves the President in a coma, with Banning the sole survivor... and the lone suspect. Framed, alone and exhausted, Banning has a choice. Does he give up... or does he go on the run and clear his name?

Evading capture by the FBI and his own government, Banning realizes the whole country may be in danger. Forced to rely on dangerous new allies, including his estranged father (played by Nick Nolte), will Mike Banning be able to save the President, the country and himself?