HARLINGEN, Texas — A Tennessee man has been arrested by the FBI following a plan to take part in a violent attack on the Texas-Mexico border, according to court documents.
Paul Faye Sr. was detained on a charge of possessing an unregistered firearm/silencer regulated by the National Firearms Act, based on federal records.
The investigation began with a man named Bryan Perry, who faced charges in Missouri for “various violent federal felonies,” according to a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Perry’s phone was confiscated, revealing extensive contact with Faye leading up to his apprehension.
The FBI initiated an introduction with Faye through an undercover agent on TikTok in March 2023, leading to a meeting with him and his two sons on April 1, 2023.
During the meeting, Faye expressed concerns about the government and migrants entering the country before discussing his tactical training and weapons in his possession, including a rifle with a suppressor.
An undercover agent later conversed with Faye about the necessity to train in person before traveling to the border, during which Faye conveyed his beliefs about “the patriots” rising up and the need to obtain a ballistic plate carrier.
Subsequently, the agent met with Faye to discuss coordinating with militia groups from other states and transporting explosive devices to the border. Faye admitted his role as a sniper sending rounds down range and possessing Tannerite, which he could convert to Claymore mines.
On Jan. 11, 2024, two undercover agents visited Faye at his home in Cunningham, Tennessee, where they were shown his “war room” with numerous firearms, ammunition, radios, and a bulletproof vest. The agents purchased a suppressor from Faye, leading to his arrest on an arrest warrant issued on Feb. 2.
Faye made his initial appearance in federal court on Feb. 5 and has a detention hearing scheduled for Feb. 12.