Alleged Plot to Take Over Haitian Island Leads to Indictments in Texas
In an unusual case that has caught national attention, two young men from Texas are facing serious charges for allegedly plotting to seize control of a Haitian island. Prosecutors claim one of the men even joined the U.S. military to gain tactical training for the operation.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Texas, Gavin Rivers Weisenburg, 21, and Tanner Christopher Thomas, 20, have been indicted on charges including conspiracy to murder, maim, or kidnap in a foreign country. They also face charges related to the production of child pornography for allegedly involving a minor in explicit activities. Attorneys representing both individuals have stated their clients will plead not guilty to the charges.
“They never tried to do any of this,” said John Helms, attorney for Tanner Christopher Thomas.
The indictment, filed in a federal court in Texas, outlines a bizarre scheme where the two men allegedly planned to recruit the homeless to aid in their coup. Their target was Gonave Island, Haiti’s largest island, home to approximately 87,000 residents. The plan reportedly included purchasing a sailboat to facilitate the takeover.
Despite the charges, Helms expressed skepticism about the evidence, stating he expects challenges for the prosecution to prove the intentions of Weisenburg and Thomas. David Finn, representing Weisenburg, advised the public to reserve judgment, noting that the plot sounds like “the craziest thing” he’s ever heard.
The alleged conspiracy spanned from August 2024 through July, with preparations involving research into weapons and plans to acquire military-style rifles. Additionally, both men reportedly made attempts to learn Haitian Creole. Weisenburg allegedly enrolled in a fire academy for relevant training but did not complete the program. He also traveled to Thailand with intentions to learn sailing, but did not proceed due to financial constraints.
The indictment further states that Thomas enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in January, purportedly to support the planned attack. Thomas reportedly communicated to Weisenburg through social media about joining the military for this purpose. During his service, he transferred to Andrews Air Base in Maryland, allegedly to recruit homeless individuals in Washington, D.C.
The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations. The Air Force has not yet commented on Thomas’s military service. If convicted on the charges, the men could face up to 30 years in prison for child pornography and up to life imprisonment for the conspiracy charge.
