HARLINGEN, Texas — A Tennessee man was taken into custody by the FBI for his alleged involvement in a plot to carry out a violent attack at the Texas-Mexico border, per court documents.
The suspect, Paul Faye Sr., faces a charge of possession of an unregistered firearm/silencer regulated by the National Firearms Act, as per federal records. The investigation was initiated when Bryan Perry, who was facing federal charges for violent felonies in Missouri, came under scrutiny.
After seizing Perry’s phone, authorities discovered extensive communication between Perry and Faye leading up to Faye’s arrest. According to a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, Faye expressed a desire to travel with Perry and another individual to the U.S.-Mexico border to engage in acts of violence.
In March 2023, the FBI introduced an undercover agent to Faye through TikTok. Subsequently, Faye provided the agent with his phone number for further communication. Later, during an in-person meeting, Faye discussed his beliefs about the government and the influx of migrants entering the country, expressing concerns about the citizens’ safety.
The undercover agent then engaged in further conversations with Faye, during which Faye discussed his tactical training, weapons possession, and collaboration with militia groups from different states. Faye also mentioned his plan to conduct violent acts at the border.
Eventually, an arrest warrant was issued, and Faye was taken into custody in February. He made his initial appearance in federal court and is scheduled for a detention hearing later in the month.
The case portrays the ongoing challenges in monitoring and preventing potential acts of violence, underscoring the diligent efforts of law enforcement agencies in addressing national security concerns. It also points to the potential impact of social media in facilitating undercover investigations and the importance of timely and proactive interventions to prevent violent incidents.