FBI arrests Tennessee man on weapons charge, alleging he wanted to kill migrants at border

The FBI has arrested a Tennessee man Friday who said he wanted to kill migrants at the southern border.

Paul Faye of Cunningham was arrested for possession of an unregistered firearm. Court documents, first reported by Court Watch, show that a nearly yearlong investigation into Faye involved undercover agents.

Faye first came under surveillance after he connected with Bryan Perry, an individual who was charged with “various violent federal felonies.” Perry and Faye had “extensive contact” before Perry’s arrest. Faye expressed a desire for the two men and one other individual to travel to the U.S.-Mexico border and “commit acts of violence.”

In May 2023, an undercover agent participated in a recorded phone call with Faye where he discussed the need to train prior to traveling to the southern border. Faye said “the patriots are going to rise up because we are being invaded.”

In a later call, Faye said he had gathered things that go “boom boom boom when you want them to” and said it was time to “step things up.” Court documents reveal that law enforcement believed Faye would be shooting at other individuals while at the border.

Inside Faye’s house, he had a “war room” that had numerous firearms, a large amount of ammunition, radios and a bulletproof vest, the documents show.

Ultimately, law enforcement concluded that “there is probable cause to believe” that Faye committed the offense of “possessing, selling, or transferring a firearm not registered” with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

The arrest comes at a time of heightened tension at the southern border. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) continues his standoff with federal law enforcement, and House Democrats are accusing him of inciting potential violence.

Dozens of GOP governors have backed Abbott in the fight, with some pledging material assistance and National Guard troops. Hundreds of people have also driven to the border to protest the federal government.