Men Indicted for Plot to Invade Haiti

In a shocking turn of events, two young men from North Texas have been indicted for allegedly plotting a violent invasion of Haiti’s Gonâve Island. Their disturbing plan reportedly included killing the island’s men and enslaving its women and children.

A Year-Long Conspiracy Uncovered

Gavin Rivers Weisenburg, 21, and Tanner Christopher Thomas, 20, face severe federal charges, including conspiracy to murder, maim, or kidnap in a foreign country, and production of child pornography. The indictment details a year-long investigation into their elaborate plan, which spanned from August 2024 to July 2025.

According to the indictment, their goal was to take military control of Gonâve Island, home to approximately 87,000 people. The plan involved purchasing a boat, sailing to the island, murdering all the men, and then enslaving the women and children.

Recruitment and Military Training

The indictment states that Weisenburg and Thomas actively researched, conducted reconnaissance, recruited others, and planned their attack. They allegedly attempted to enlist accomplices both online and in person, even trying to recruit homeless individuals in Washington, D.C. between August 2024 and May 2025.

Adding a disturbing layer to the plot, prosecutors allege that Tanner Thomas enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in January 2025 to gain military training that would be “useful in carrying out their armed coup.” Meanwhile, Gavin Weisenburg reportedly enrolled in a fire academy and studied Haitian Creole, weapons, and ammunition, even researching military-grade rifles.

Severe Penalties and Ongoing Investigation

The charges carry severe penalties. If convicted of conspiracy to commit murder in a foreign country, both men face up to life in federal prison. The child pornography charges could result in 15 to 30 years in prison.

The investigation is a collaborative effort involving the FBI, the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Salina Police Department. This case underscores the serious threats posed by extremist ideologies and the importance of vigilance against such dangerous plots.