A Fort Worth man is facing criminal charges for allegedly sending multiple violent threats targeting Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico through digital platforms.
According to an arrest affidavit, Billy James McFatridge has been charged with terroristic threat against a public servant. Prosecutors allege McFatridge sent the violent threats against Talarico via online accounts traced back to him.
Investigators report McFatridge threatened to “slit” Talarico’s throat and drag his body through streets in messages sent to Talarico’s campaign email and Instagram account in early August. The Texas Department of Public Safety’s Criminal Investigation Division was notified of the threats on August 12 by Talarico’s chief of staff.
The affidavit states the first threatening message was sent August 3 to Talarico’s campaign email from an account named “GANGSTEROFLOVE817.” A second message arrived August 11 through Instagram from an account called “GODFATHEROFLOVE817.”
DPS agents obtained search warrants for subscriber information from Google and Meta. Google provided evidence identifying McFatridge as the owner of the Gmail account. Investigators interviewed McFatridge at his workplace on August 19, where he admitted owning both accounts and sending the messages but claimed he did not intend harm, stating he “had just wanted to scare” Talarico.
A threat assessment expert noted that political figures routinely receive unusual communications, including threats—especially those with controversial positions.
Talarico faces Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in a critical U.S. Senate race. Recent spending by President Trump’s primary super PAC, MAGA Inc., has injected $10 million into the contest to bolster Paxton’s campaign. This investment occurs as Paxton polls neck and neck—or even trailing—against Talarico.
The Republican Party holds significant financial advantages in key midterms. The Republican National Committee reports over $130 million cash on hand, while MAGA Inc. maintains nearly $404 million in reserves per federal records. Paxton has leveraged this funding for approximately $5 million of positive ad spend and $5 million targeting Talarico’s campaign.
