FBI says Tennessee man wanted to ‘stir up the hornet’s nest’ at US-Mexico border by using bombs, firearms

AUSTIN, Texas — A Tennessee man was arrested this week after he allegedly told undercover FBI agents he wanted to “stir up the hornet’s nest” at the U.S.-Mexico border by using bombs or by acting as a sniper, according to a criminal complaint filed in federal court.

Following a nearly yearlong investigation, the FBI arrested Paul Faye in Tennessee on Monday and charged him with possession of an unregistered silencer, a felony. He faces a maximum fine of $250,000 and a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, according to the complaint filed this week and obtained by the American-Statesman, part of the USA TODAY Network.

The FBI became aware of Faye, 55, of Cunningham, while investigating a separate case involving another Tennessee man who was indicted last May for conspiring to kill Border Patrol officers . In communications the FBI discovered in that case, Faye had discussed plans as early as October 2022 to join forces with far-right militia members at the border.

“The patriots are going to rise up because we are being invaded,” Faye reportedly said. “We are being invaded.”

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