Federal authorities have arrested 18-year-old Gunner Joseph Fisher of Big Rock, Tennessee, on charges related to an alleged plot to commit a mass shooting.
Fisher, who harbored extreme racist and violent ideologies, had reportedly been planning such an attack for years, according to an affidavit filed in federal court by FBI Special Agent Christopher R. Potts.
Fisher was apprehended in late December following a tip-off from Meta Platforms, the parent company of Instagram, which alerted authorities to alarming messages on his account.
The messages indicated Fisher was planning a mass shooting and had amassed a cache of weapons and ammunition.
Investigators found that Fisher had posted disturbing content online, expressing his hatred toward specific racial and religious groups, including Jews, African Americans, and Muslims.
He frequently referenced admiration for mass shooters and posted images of himself posing with firearms and tactical gear.
One of his posts read:
“My entire school is gonna be wiped off the face of this EARTH.”
He also discussed potential targets, including his own school and a local mosque in Nashville, inspired by Brenton Tarrant, the perpetrator of the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings in New Zealand.
Fisher’s online activity included communications with an unidentified individual outside of Tennessee, where they exchanged messages about orchestrating mass shootings. In one exchange, Fisher allegedly stated:
“I’m gonna go on a spree this year probably. I’ve been planning for five years.”
He also inquired whether his associate would mention his attack in their manifesto.
On December 14, 2024, FBI agents conducted an interview with Fisher at his residence, during which he admitted to a long-standing fascination with mass shootings and an obsession with violent content.
A search of his electronic devices uncovered a chilling video where he declared his intent to target racial and religious minorities, using hate-filled rhetoric.
Additionally, investigators retrieved a manifesto dated November 29, in which Fisher detailed his plan to use firearms and explosives to cause mass casualties at his school.
Fisher has since been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of communicating threats of mass violence, and federal prosecutors have requested he remain in custody without bond. In their request, prosecutors argued that “no set of conditions will assure the safety of the community.”
U.S. Magistrate Judge, Barbara D. Holmes, has continued a detention hearing to allow Fisher’s defense to present evidence regarding his mental health diagnosis and potential treatment options. The hearing is scheduled to resume on Tuesday morning.
While the case received minimal media coverage, it did capture the attention of Solomon Henderson, the 17-year-old student responsible for the recent deadly shooting at Antioch High School. Henderson, who shot two fellow students before taking his own life, referenced Fisher in his online diary, posting:
“N**a was in my area lol,”*
There is no evidence suggesting the two individuals knew each other personally, but authorities are investigating any potential links.
Federal authorities continue to examine Fisher’s online activity, including communications with individuals who may have influenced or encouraged his behavior. They are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
Law enforcement and local officials have reassured the public that proactive measures are in place to prevent similar incidents. Schools in the region have increased security and counseling resources for students and families affected by recent events.
Anyone with information regarding the case is encouraged to contact the FBI Nashville Field Office or submit tips anonymously through the FBI’s tip line.
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