Austin, TX — A Fort Worth man has been charged with making a terroristic threat against a public servant after investigators allege he sent graphic messages threatening to kill Texas state Rep. James Talarico.
According to an arrest affidavit, Billy James McFatridge, 29, allegedly threatened to slit Talarico’s throat and drag his body through the streets in messages sent to the Democratic lawmaker’s campaign email and Instagram account in early August.
The Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division was notified of the threats by Talarico’s chief of staff on August 12.
Investigators said the first message was sent August 3 from an email account identified as “GANGSTEROFLOVE817.” A second threatening message was allegedly sent August 11 through an Instagram account identified as “GODFATHEROFLOVE817.”
Authorities obtained search warrants for subscriber information from Google and Meta. According to the affidavit, information returned by Google identified McFatridge as the owner of the Gmail account.
DPS agents interviewed McFatridge at his workplace on August 19. Investigators allege he admitted owning both accounts and sending the messages. According to the affidavit, McFatridge said he did not intend to hurt anyone but wanted to scare Talarico.
Investigators also said McFatridge reported having access to multiple firearms, including a rifle, pistol and shotgun.
Talarico and several staff members provided sworn statements saying the messages caused them to fear for their safety. Talarico told investigators he believed additional security would be necessary for upcoming campaign events, including an event planned in the Fort Worth area.
McFatridge was charged with:
• Terroristic Threat Against a Public Servant
DPS investigators requested several conditions if McFatridge is released on bond, including GPS monitoring, a mental health evaluation, prohibition from possessing firearms and orders barring contact with Talarico and his staff and restricting access to the Texas Capitol complex.
The charge is an allegation. McFatridge is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.