A 44-year-old man from Tennessee has been arrested and charged with making alleged threats to kill President Donald Trump, FBI Director Kash Patel and several local law enforcement officials after investigators say he posted dozens of violent threats on TikTok.
Garry Lee Williams was taken into custody Thursday and faces one count of transmitting interstate threats to kill public officials, according to the Justice Department. He made his initial appearance Friday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Debra C. Poplin in federal court.
Background
Federal investigators began looking into Williams after receiving a tip in May about a TikTok account allegedly posting threats against government officials and their children. The FBI identified the account as belonging to Williams, who has prior felony convictions for aggravated robbery and aggravated assault.
According to an FBI affidavit, agents discovered what authorities describe as a disturbing pattern of escalating violence on the suspect's social media accounts. Investigators say Williams posted dozens of threatening videos, images and written messages targeting Trump, Patel, Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler, Knoxville Police Chief Paul Noel and other officials over several months.
When local law enforcement confronted Williams in May about the posts, investigators say he acknowledged making the statements on social media but denied any intent to carry out acts of violence. He insisted that corrupt public officials need to be held accountable, according to authorities. Court records indicate Williams appeared to be homeless and was living out of his vehicle at the time of his arrest.
The Investigation
Among the posts cited in the federal complaint was one message allegedly reading: 'President Trump I'm gonna get you and all your buddies . . . I want your heads off your shoulders, send all law enforcement you want to they can go too.'
In a TikTok video, Williams allegedly said, 'have fun in the grave,' while referencing a machete. Another post warned public officials that they should 'kiss your family goodbye' and threatened violence against their children at schools.
Federal investigators highlighted a March post stating: 'kill President Trump, CIA, FBI Kash Patel' and 'Death to all you cowards.' In another message, Williams allegedly wrote that Trump and Patel 'should be hung or firing squad,' adding, 'Kill them all … step down president Trump or get layed [sic] down.'
The complaint also references threats against Trump's family. One post allegedly read: 'Trump better wear you a vest … son Barron I like his he wears as well,' before adding threatening language toward the former president's children.
Perhaps most alarming to investigators was a January post they say contained clear intent for mass violence. The message reportedly warned that federal buildings, courthouses, college campuses and places of worship would be forced to close, telling officials to 'kiss your kids goodbye.'
Authorities also cited a video in which Williams allegedly encouraged others to join him in killing police officers, judges, politicians, federal agents and other government officials, claiming he would 'lead the way' if he had guns and ammunition.
Key Takeaways
- Garry Lee Williams, 44, charged with one count of transmitting interstate threats to kill public officials
- Federal investigators say he posted dozens of violent threats on TikTok against Trump, FBI Director Kash Patel and local Tennessee officials
- Prior felony convictions include aggravated robbery and aggravated assault
- Allegedly made specific threats against Trump's family, including his son Barron
- Preliminary hearing scheduled for Aug. 25 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Debra C. Poplin
What's Next
Williams is currently in federal custody awaiting further proceedings. His preliminary hearing is set for August 25. The case remains under investigation by the FBI, and authorities say they are continuing to review evidence from multiple social media accounts linked to the defendant.