Two North Texas men face charges alleging a violent plot against Haiti’s Gonâve Island; the next steps will play out in federal court.
PLANO, Texas — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against two North Texas men accused of planning to invade a Haitian island and kill its male residents, moving the case into a procedural phase that will determine detention, schedules and evidence access.
Prosecutors identified the defendants as Gavin Rivers Weisenburg, 21, of Allen, and Tanner Christopher Thomas, 20, of Argyle. Each is charged with conspiracy to murder, maim or kidnap in a foreign country and production of child pornography. The indictment alleges a plan to take Gonâve Island by force, with steps that included studying Haitian Creole, seeking a sailboat and recruiting people to act as an armed unit. The FBI and Air Force Office of Special Investigations are leading the probe alongside local police.
Under federal practice, the next hearings typically include initial appearances, arraignments and detention determinations. A magistrate judge will advise the defendants of the charges, consider counsel and address whether they remain in custody. Prosecutors may argue they pose a danger or flight risk, citing the alleged plans and the potential penalties. Defense attorneys can contest those claims and challenge the strength of the government’s evidence. A scheduling order will set deadlines for motions and discovery. “This is an international murder and kidnapping scheme,” U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs said in announcing the case.
The indictment alleges the planning spanned August 2024 to July 2025. Investigators say the pair looked for a vessel, researched weapons and tried to recruit from the Washington, D.C., area. Authorities also accuse both of producing child pornography after agents recovered explicit material during the investigation. Court filings do not list a precise number of recruits or any completed weapons purchases. Prosecutors did not describe any involvement by organized groups, and officials said the plan appeared self-directed.
Gonâve Island sits off Haiti’s west coast and is home to many thousands of people. Haiti’s instability has made it a flashpoint for outside plots, and U.S. courts occasionally handle cases involving planned violence abroad. Unlike cases centered on exports or smuggling, this indictment alleges a direct plan to commit mass murder and enslavement overseas, a charge that can trigger severe penalties even if the operation does not launch. The conspiracy count alone can carry up to life in prison upon conviction.
What happens next depends on rulings from the bench. If the court orders detention, the defendants would remain in custody through trial unless circumstances change. Discovery would proceed, with prosecutors turning over reports, digital communications and other material; defense counsel could file motions to suppress or dismiss counts. A trial date may be set once the parties complete initial exchanges. Officials said further public updates are likely to come through docket entries and filings in the Eastern District of Texas.
In Allen and Argyle, residents expressed surprise and concern as the news broke. A local law enforcement spokesperson said investigators are reviewing whether any additional individuals should face charges. Advocates for Haitian communities said they were appalled by the allegations and will watch court developments. The U.S. Attorney’s Office noted that an indictment is not evidence and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
As of Friday, no hearing dates had been posted publicly. The court is expected to set initial appearances and arraignments in the coming days.
Author note: Last updated November 21, 2025.