Knoxville, Tennessee –Â A Knoxville man is facing federal charges after investigators accused him of using social media to make repeated threats against several public officials, including President Donald Trump.
According to federal authorities, Garry Lee Williams, 44, of Knoxville, was arrested on July 16, 2026, by agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The arrest was made in Knoxville based on a federal criminal complaint alleging the interstate transmission of threats to kill public officials.
Williams made his initial appearance in United States District Court in Knoxville on Friday, July 17, 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge Debra C. Poplin.
The court has scheduled a preliminary hearing for August 25, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. before Judge Poplin. A trial date has not yet been set.
Complaint details allegations of repeated online threats
Federal court records state that the criminal complaint accuses Williams of violating 18 U.S.C. § 875(c), a federal law that addresses the interstate transmission of threats.
According to the affidavit supporting the complaint, investigators allege Williams repeatedly posted messages and videos on social media platforms, including TikTok, that contained threats to kill several public officials.
The affidavit alleges the threats targeted President Donald J. Trump, FBI Director Kash Patel, Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler, and Knoxville Police Chief Paul Noel.
Federal officials said the allegations are detailed in the arrest warrant and the supporting affidavit filed with the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee in Knoxville, where the documents are available as public records.
At this stage of the case, the complaint represents allegations only. Williams has been charged but has not been convicted of the offenses. As with all criminal cases, he is presumed innocent unless and until the government proves the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
The case will continue with the scheduled preliminary hearing in late August, while any future trial proceedings will be set at a later date.
