HARLINGEN, Texas (AP) — Federal authorities have arrested a Tennessee man for allegedly plotting a violent attack on the Texas-Mexico border, court documents show.
Paul Faye Sr. is facing a charge of possession of an unregistered firearm/silencer regulated by the National Firearms Act, according to federal records.
The investigation began with a man named Bryan Perry, who was charged in Missouri with “various violent federal felonies,” court documents revealed.
Perry’s phone was seized, which led to the discovery of extensive contact with Faye before his arrest, the criminal complaint stated.
In an effort to gather more evidence, an undercover agent engaged with Faye on TikTok and later met with him in person, during which Faye expressed a desire to commit acts of violence at the U.S./Mexico border.
Faye, who is a member of the NC Patriot Party, was also found discussing the need to coordinate with militia groups from Kentucky, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee, and transporting explosive devices to the border.
The FBI’s investigation into Faye’s activities culminated in a warrant being issued and Faye was taken into custody three days later. He has since appeared in federal court with a detention hearing scheduled for next month.