Federal authorities have arrested a Tennessee man accused of making online threats to kill President Donald Trump, along with several senior law enforcement officials.
Garry Lee Williams, 44, of Knoxville, was taken into custody by the FBI on July 16, 2026. According to the United States Attorney’s Office, the arrest was made on a complaint involving the interstate transmission of threats to kill public officials.
“on a complaint involving the interstate transmission of threats to kill public officials,”
Prosecutors allege Williams used social media, including TikTok, to post repeated threats aimed at Trump, FBI Director Kash Patel, Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler, and Knoxville Police Chief Paul Noel.
The complaint cites 18 U.S.C. ยง 875(c), a federal statute covering interstate threats. If convicted, the offense can carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
He made his initial court appearance on Friday, July 17, in United States District Court in Knoxville. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for August 25, 2026, while a trial date will be set later.
According to reports, Williams is also accused of telling the president to
“step down”
or
“get layed down,”
An FBI affidavit filed in support of the complaint says agents were first alerted in May to a TikTok account allegedly being used to publish threatening material, according to Law&Crime.
One of the alleged messages directed at the president reportedly said:
“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.”
Authorities also say some of the alleged threats referenced members of the president’s family, including Barron Trump.
One alleged message stated:
“Y’all didn’t care bout me or my kids so it’s f**k u and your kids,”
Another post allegedly warned
“all you corrupt politicians on this list”
to
“kiss your family goodbye”.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasized that the case remains at the charging stage, saying:
“Members of the public are reminded that these are only charges and that every person is presumed innocent until their guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.”
The accusations come about three months after a separate case involving an alleged plot against the president. Cole Tomas Allen, 31, was charged over an alleged attempt to assassinate Trump at the Washington Hilton Hotel during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on April 25.
Allen faces charges of attempting to assassinate the president of the United States, using a firearm during a crime of violence, and transporting a firearm across state lines with the intent to commit a felony.
He has denied the allegations and entered a not guilty plea.
Another status hearing in that case is scheduled for August 20, when a possible trial date may be discussed.