A Tennessee man is dealing with federal fees after allegedly brandishing a firearm at protesters earlier this month, with prosecutors expressing issues about his “want to commit an act of mass violence,” in keeping with court docket paperwork.
Elijah Millar, 19, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, was charged Friday with illegal possession of a firearm, the Justice Division introduced. He faces as much as 15 years in federal jail and a most positive of $250,000 if convicted.
In keeping with prosecutors, Millar, wearing all-black clothes and carrying a masks, confronted demonstrators at a “No Kings” protest close to Nashville’s Bicentennial Mall on June 14.
Witnesses reported that Millar spat at protesters, yelled at them, and brandished a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol earlier than being apprehended by Metropolitan Nashville Police Division officers, the DOJ stated.
Simply three days after being launched on bond, Millar was arrested once more when Murfreesboro Police Division officers found one other loaded 9mm firearm in his waistband, authorities stated.
Elijah Millar, 19, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, was federally charged, June 20, 2025.
Murfreesboro Police Division
Courtroom paperwork stated Millar was beforehand topic to a 2023 emergency conservatorship order in Rutherford County, Tennessee, which prohibited him from possessing firearms after discovering he was “liable to substantial hurt to his well being, security, and welfare.”
A subsequent order in September 2024 designated him as a “disabled particular person needing care” and additional restricted his entry to firearms.
“The correct to peaceably protest authorities motion is assured by the First Modification and can’t be infringed upon by armed people whose actions put folks at risk,” stated Appearing United States Legal professional Robert E. McGuire.
Folks display throughout a “No Kings” protest, June 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
George Walker Iv/AP
On Sunday, prosecutors urged the court docket to maintain Millar in custody, citing social media posts and on-line exercise that urged “a want to commit an act of mass violence.”
The incident comes amid heightened tensions at “No Kings” protests nationwide. In a separate incident on the identical day in Utah, a protest turned lethal when a security volunteer unintentionally shot and killed a demonstrator whereas responding to a different armed particular person who allegedly approached the group with a rifle.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Nashville Area Workplace, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Division, and the Murfreesboro Police Division.
ABC Information’ Alexander Mallin contributed to this report.
