A Pair of American Men Charged for Accused Coup Plot to Kill and Rape People on Haitian Island
The Department of Justice have alleged that two Texas residents conspired a deadly takeover on Gonâve Island, the biggest island in the Caribbean nation, reportedly driven by disturbing intentions.
According to an announcement from the US attorney’s office in Texas, Gavin Rivers Weisenburg, 21 and Tanner Christopher Thomas, 20 are charged with planning to seize the island through violence, recruiting people without homes from Washington DC, then killing all men and forcing females and minors to abuse.
The motive is unknown why the suspects targeted this location, home to an estimated 85,000 to 100,000 people. As part of their plan, they acquired proficiency in the local language and started enlisting people to aid the invasion.
A co-conspirator, the younger suspect, had enlisted in the American military with the intent to develop military skills useful for the invasion plan.
Furthermore, the men face charges of producing child pornography, which could result in prison sentences of 15 to 30 years if convicted.
The more serious charge, a conspiracy charge to commit violent acts in a another nation, carries a possible imprisonment for life upon a guilty verdict.
According to the formal charges, the two men started devising the scheme in August 2024 and continued until July of this year. Their intentions included acquiring a vessel, arms and supplies, and attending instructional programs.
One suspect was taken into custody in the summer, after reportedly traveling to Thailand to learn sailing.
Thomas had relocated his military assignment to a nearby state to facilitate recruiting homeless people from the capital area.
The case was conducted together by the FBI, the military investigative unit, and a municipal department.
A past report noted that the island lacks adequate judicial personnel, resulting in complaints from inhabitants about lawlessness. The area is also described as isolated from mainland Haiti.
