David Aaron Bloyed, a 60-year-old from Frost, Texas, was convicted today by a federal jury for sending threatening messages across state lines targeting Glenn Funk, the elected District Attorney General for Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee.
Bloyed was found guilty of one count of communicating a threat to lynch and kill Funk, a charge that highlights the serious consequences of online hate speech and threats toward public officials.
Impact of the Verdict on Justice System and Law Enforcement
Sue J. Bai, the Head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, spoke out following the verdict, emphasizing the significant harm caused by such violent threats.
“The defendant’s heinous threats strike at the heart of our justice system and the safety of those who serve,” Bai said.
“As today’s verdict demonstrates, violent threats and intimidation against government officials and law enforcement will not be tolerated.”
She also praised the swift and determined efforts of law enforcement and the prosecution team to bring Bloyed to justice.
Acting U.S. Attorney Stresses Importance of Combating Hate
Robert E. McGuire, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee, reinforced the seriousness of the crime, pointing out the destructive nature of antisemitic hate.
“Antisemitic hate has no place in Nashville or anywhere, and this verdict shows these hateful threats for what they are: a crime,” McGuire said.
“Our office will do whatever it takes to defend our community, and the prosecutors who serve it, from being threatened by these hatemongers.”
FBI’s Commitment to Holding Perpetrators Accountable
The FBI, which played a crucial role in the investigation, was equally vocal in denouncing Bloyed’s actions.
Assistant Director in Charge David J. Scott of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division stated, “The conviction of David Bloyed is yet another example of the FBI’s commitment to holding those accountable who threaten public officials and the Jewish community.”
He further added that such criminal behavior would not be tolerated, and the FBI would continue working with national partners to identify and prosecute those who make threats against specific communities.
Details of the Threats and Goyim Defense League’s Involvement
The case stems from an incident on July 14, 2024, when members of the Goyim Defense League (GDL)—a group known for spreading extreme antisemitism—held a protest in downtown Nashville.
During the protest, which involved carrying Nazi flags and shouting antisemitic slurs, a confrontation broke out when a GDL member assaulted a local bar employee with a metal flagpole adorned with a swastika.
The protest led to the arrest of the GDL member on charges of aggravated assault.
While in Nashville, GDL members continued to share their activities on social media platforms, including Telegram.
Following the arrest, a user on Telegram, connected to the GDL, posted violent threats against DA Funk, including an image of Funk with the caption, “Getting the rope,” and an emoji pointing at Funk’s image.
Other threatening images included a photograph of a person hanging by the neck from a gallows, along with messages like, “The ‘Rope List’ grew by a few more Nashville Jews today,” and “Will you survive the day of the rope?”
Law Enforcement Links Bloyed to Threatening Social Media Posts
Through investigation, law enforcement identified an account on social media with a username nearly identical to the Telegram account.
The account was traced to Bloyed, and it contained threats that mirrored those made on Telegram.
These disturbing online messages were a direct violation of federal law, leading to Bloyed’s conviction.
Facing Serious Consequences for His Actions
At his upcoming sentencing, David Bloyed could face up to five years in federal prison.
The case has highlighted the serious dangers posed by online hate and the need for continued vigilance in holding individuals accountable for making threats of violence.
Ongoing Investigation and Law Enforcement Collaboration
The FBI Nashville Field Office, alongside the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, continues to investigate this case.
The conviction of Bloyed marks a significant step in the fight against hate-driven threats and violence directed at public officials and vulnerable communities.