In Tennessee, a man named Paul Faye was apprehended this week after purportedly expressing his desire to create unrest at the U.S.-Mexico border, either by using explosives or functioning as a sniper, as disclosed in a criminal complaint filed in federal court.
The FBI, following an investigation that spanned nearly a year, arrested Paul Faye in Tennessee on Monday. He is charged with possessing an unregistered silencer, a felony offense.
According to the complaint filed this week, Faye could face a maximum fine of $250,000 and a maximum prison sentence of 10 years. This information was obtained by the American-Statesman, a part of the USA TODAY Network.
Faye, aged 55 and residing in Cunningham, came on the FBI’s radar during a separate investigation involving another Tennessee individual indicted in May for plotting to kill Border Patrol officers.
In communications discovered during this inquiry, Faye had reportedly been discussing plans since October 2022 to collaborate with far-right militia members at the border.
Expressing concerns about an alleged invasion, Faye stated, “The patriots are going to rise up because we are being invaded.” The FBI found that Faye had amassed multiple AR-15 rifles, various firearms, and a substantial amount of ammunition. Furthermore, he had discussed the prospect of planting explosives at the border on multiple occasions.
A preliminary and detention hearing for Faye is scheduled for February 12 at the Tennessee Middle District Court in Nashville. Court Watch initially reported the news of his arrest.