AUSTIN, Texas — A Fort Worth man has been charged with making terroristic threats against a public servant after he allegedly sent violent messages to Texas state Rep. James Talarico’s campaign email and Instagram account, according to an arrest affidavit.
Billy James McFatridge is accused of threatening to “slit” Talarico’s throat and drag his body through the streets in messages sent in early August, the affidavit states.
The Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division was notified of the threats on Aug. 12 by Talarico’s chief of staff.
According to the affidavit, the first message was sent Aug. 3 to Talarico’s campaign email from a “GANGSTEROFLOVE817” email account. A second threatening message was sent Aug. 11 via Instagram direct message from an account called “GODFATHEROFLOVE817.” Both messages contained graphic threats of violence along with profanity and slurs directed at the Democratic lawmaker, the affidavit states.
Investigators obtained search warrants for subscriber data from Google and Meta to identify the account holders. Google responded Aug. 17 with information identifying McFatridge as the owner of the Gmail account, according to the affidavit.
With assistance from the DPS Homeland Security Division, investigators learned where McFatridge lives and works.
ALSO | Man sentenced to 60 years in prison for fatal 2023 hatchet attack
On Aug. 19, DPS agents interviewed McFatridge at his workplace. He admitted to owning both accounts and to sending the threatening messages, according to the affidavit. He also told investigators he had access to multiple firearms, including a rifle, a pistol and a shotgun, though their whereabouts were not immediately known.
McFatridge said he had no intention of hurting anyone but wanted to scare the lawmaker, the affidavit states.
Investigators cited two prior incidents in reviewing McFatridge’s history. In 2018, he was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after a Fort Worth Police Department investigation into an altercation in which he allegedly stabbed his mother with a “long stick with a blade at the end of it.” In 2023, he allegedly sent a threatening message to a former supervisor.
Talarico and several staff members provided sworn statements saying they feared for their safety after receiving the messages, according to the affidavit. Talarico said he felt it necessary to increase security for upcoming campaign events, including one planned in the Fort Worth area.
McFatridge was charged with terroristic threat against a public servant.
DPS investigators requested a series of bond conditions if he is released from jail, including GPS monitoring, a mental health evaluation, a ban on firearm possession, and no-contact and stay-away orders regarding Talarico, his staff, and the Texas Capitol complex.
Talarico’s office has not yet responded to a request for comment.