Two Men Plotted to Kill All Adult Men on Haitian Island and Enslave Women and Children

Two Texas Men Allegedly Planned Brutal Coup on Haitian Island, One Joined Military to Prepare

Federal prosecutors have charged two men from Texas with plotting a violent takeover of a Haitian island, including allegations of murder, kidnapping, and sexual assault. Gavin Rivers Weisenburg, 21, and Tanner Christopher Thomas, 20, both from the Dallas area, were indicted Thursday on conspiracy charges to murder, maim, or kidnap in a foreign country. They were also charged with production of child pornography, accused of persuading a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct.

According to the indictment, the men allegedly planned to recruit homeless individuals to join their coup on Gonave Island, which has about 87,000 residents. Prosecutors claim the plot involved purchasing a sailboat, buying military-style rifles, and learning Haitian Creole to carry out the attack.

Remarkably, authorities say Thomas enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, allegedly telling Weisenburg via social media that he joined the military to gain skills for the plot. Weisenburg reportedly enrolled in a fire academy to receive training useful for the attack and attempted to learn sailing in Thailand, though he never enrolled in lessons due to cost.

The indictment says the alleged conspiracy took place between August 2024 and July 2025, with the pair making extensive preparations. Defense attorneys for both men say their clients plan to plead not guilty, arguing the evidence may not show intent to carry out such a plot.

If convicted, the men could face up to life in prison for the conspiracy charges and up to 30 years for the child pornography charges. Investigations involved multiple agencies, including the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

This shocking case has drawn national attention for the extreme and disturbing nature of the alleged plot.