AUSTIN, Texas – Greg Abbott’s physical blockade of Shelby Park and other locations along the Texas Southern border has gained support from dozens of MAGA Republican elected officials – and armed, white nationalist militias. A Tennessee man was arrested by the FBI for trying to sell an unregistered AK-47 suppressor. Paul Faye Sr., a self-proclaimed militia sniper, later revealed a multi-state militia plot to carry out a violent attack at the southern border.

Texas Republicans' border rhetoric has already led to bloodshed in border communities, as their dehumanizing language and encouragement of violence  continue to activate extremists nationwide. Mobilization of domestic terrorist groups is surging because MAGA Republicans in power continue to spew racist lies about migrants and delegitimize Border Patrol and the federal government. 

If you or someone you know encounters or observes a potential threat, please report it anonymously at www.fbi.gov/tips or by calling 1-800-CALLFBI (1-800-225-5324).

Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa issues the following statement: 

"Greg Abbott, Ted Cruz, and Texas Republicans capitalize on dehumanizing migrants and border communities for political gain, echoing historical fascist tactics and inciting domestic terrorism. They welcome MAGA extremists to our borders while spouting racist lies, fueling hatred toward migrants, border communities and the federal government – all while offering no real tangible solutions to this humanitarian crisis. “Poisoning the blood of our country” has become their rallying cry, with the impending bloodshed ready to fall on Greg Abbott's hands. We’re grateful to the FBI for acting on this credible threat to our state’s security and will stop at nothing to keep border communities like mine safe from domestic terrorism."

###