'This isn't a threat, it's a promise': TikToker vows to assassinate Trump if president doesn't step down, feds say

A 44-year-old man in Tennessee is accused of posting numerous violent threats online in which he vows to kill Donald Trump, FBI Director Kash Patel and several local officials, warning that the president should "step down" or "get layed [sic] down."

Garry Lee Williams was taken into custody Thursday and charged with one count of transmitting interstate threats to kill public officials, authorities announced.

According to an FBI affidavit supporting the complaint, agents began investigating Williams after receiving a tip in May about a TikTok account that was allegedly posting threats against government officials and their children. Investigators identified the account as belonging to Williams, whose criminal history includes prior felony convictions for aggravated robbery and aggravated assault.

Agents said Williams' TikTok account contained dozens of threatening posts, images and videos directed at Trump, Patel, Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler, Knoxville Police Chief Paul Noel and others.

Among the posts cited in the complaint was one that read: "President Trump I'm gonna get you and all your buddies . . . I want your heads off your shoulders, send all law enforcement you want to they can go too."

In a TikTok video, Williams allegedly said, "have fun in the grave," adding, "I'll have my machete."

Another post allegedly warned public officials, "All you corrupt politicians on this list kiss your family goodbye . . . Look over ur shoulders day and night, worry bout ur kids or grandkids at school not knowing if I'm around. I will get justice either thru court or myself putting you in the grave."

Federal investigators also highlighted a March post stating: "kill President Trump, CIA, FBI Kash Patel" and "Death to all you cowards."

In another message, Williams allegedly wrote that Trump and Patel "should be hung or firing squad," adding, "Kill them all … step down president Trump or get layed [sic] down."

The affidavit says Williams also threatened Trump's family, writing in one post that "Trump better wear you a vest … son Barron I like his he wears as well," before adding, "Y'all didn't care bout me or my kids so it's f— u and your kids."

Investigators further cited a January post that they described as escalating beyond threats against officials themselves. In that message, Williams allegedly wrote, "This isn't a threat it's a promise," warning that federal buildings, courthouses, college campuses and places of worship would be forced to close before telling officials to "kiss your kids goodbye."

The complaint also references a video in which Williams allegedly encouraged others to kill police officers, judges, politicians, federal agents and other government officials, saying he would "lead the way" if he had guns and ammunition and would begin with the Knox County sheriff and Knoxville police chief.

When local law enforcement confronted Williams in May about the posts, investigators said he acknowledged making the statements on social media but denied intending to carry out acts of violence, insisting he believed corrupt public officials "need to be held accountable."

Authorities said the defendant appeared to be homeless and living out of his vehicle.

Williams made his initial appearance Friday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Debra C. Poplin and is scheduled to appear for his preliminary hearing on Aug. 25, court records show.

The post 'This isn't a threat, it's a promise': TikToker vows to assassinate Trump if president doesn't 'step down,' feds say first appeared on Law & Crime.