It sounds like the script of a depraved thriller — but prosecutors say it was real. Two young North Texas men stand accused of plotting to invade a Haitian island, murder its men, and enslave its women and children. And the way they planned to do it is even more disturbing: by building an army out of America’s most vulnerable — the homeless.

According to an indictment reported by The Guardian and confirmed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas, Gavin Rivers Weisenburg, 21, of Allen, and Tanner Christopher Thomas, 20, of Argyle allegedly spent nearly a year preparing for a violent coup on Gonâve Island, Haiti. Their fantasy, prosecutors say, was to build an armed force, execute a mass killing of the island’s men, and turn the rest of the population — women and children — into sex slaves.

If proven, it would be one of the most grotesque criminal conspiracies ever linked to U.S.-based suspects.

Below is the full breakdown of the case — with verified facts separated from rumor and speculation — so readers see exactly what prosecutors say happened, when it unfolded, and what impact it could have had on countless innocent lives.

TIMELINE OF THE ALLEGED COUP PLOT

August 2024 — The Plot Begins

Verified:
Investigators say Weisenburg and Thomas started planning an “expeditionary force” to invade Gonâve Island. Early communications allegedly showed fantasies of rape, domination, and mass murder.

Speculation:
Online chatter suggests possible extremist influence or online radicalization. Prosecutors have not confirmed any ideological group involvement.

Late 2024 — The Recruitment Strategy

Verified:

• The indictment states the pair planned to recruit unhoused individuals from Washington, D.C.
• They allegedly targeted the homeless because they believed they could be manipulated and controlled as mercenaries.
• Plans included transporting recruits via a large sailboat purchased with pooled funds.

Rumor vs. Fact:

• Fact: The homeless recruitment plan is explicitly outlined in court documents.
• Rumor: Some social media posts claim the men already contacted homeless shelters. No evidence has surfaced to support that.

Early 2025 — Weapons, Boats, and Training

Verified:

• Prosecutors say the men worked on acquiring firearms, ammunition, survival gear, and nautical equipment.
• Digital evidence reportedly shows the two discussing tactical formations and “combat roles” for their would-be mercenary force.
• Training sessions were allegedly held in rural Texas to practice shooting and “scenario drills.”

Speculation:

• Some unverified claims suggest they attempted to buy weapons illegally. No official documentation has confirmed that.

Spring 2025 — The Violence Takes Shape

Verified:

• Court filings describe horrifying plans to “murder all the men” on Gonâve Island.
• The remaining women and children would be enslaved as sexual property in what prosecutors call a “rape colony.”
• Investigators also allege the production of child pornography tied to the conspirators’ fantasies — now a major component of the charges.

Rumor:

• Several online groups accused the men of having accomplices or a larger network. No evidence indicates more suspects at this time.

July 2025 — Federal Investigators Move In

Verified:

• After nearly a year of observing communications, gathering digital evidence, and interviewing witnesses, federal agents intervened.
• A grand jury indicted Weisenburg and Thomas on:
  • Conspiracy to murder, maim, or kidnap in a foreign country
  • Production of child pornography

Both charges carry potential life sentences if convicted.

THE EVIDENCE THE GOVERNMENT SAYS IT HAS

Strong, Documented Evidence:

• Digital messages detailing the invasion plan
• Searches and maps of Gonâve Island
• Discussions about enslaving women and children
• Plans to purchase a sailboat for the operation
• Training exercises and weapon strategy discussions
• Alleged pornographic materials involving minors
• Communications about recruiting the homeless as soldiers

Evidence Still Under Review / Unconfirmed:

• Whether any weapons were actually purchased
• Whether any homeless individuals were directly contacted
• Motives beyond sexual violence and domination

Total Speculation (No supporting evidence):

• Claims of foreign involvement
• Rumors of a militia or extremist group behind the plot
• Statements that the men were close to launching the invasion

THE HUMAN IMPACT — WHO THIS WOULD HAVE HURT MOST

1. Haiti’s Most Vulnerable

Gonâve Island is already struggling economically. Had this plot been carried out, it would have been a bloodbath — one targeting the exact people least able to defend themselves: mothers, children, and elderly residents.

2. America’s Homeless

The plan to use unhoused individuals as disposable foot soldiers represents one of the most disturbing layers of the case — manipulating desperation to fuel a mass atrocity.

3. International Stability

A violent coup by U.S. nationals would have had severe diplomatic repercussions, possibly triggering U.S.–Haiti tensions, international investigations, and humanitarian fallout.

FACT VS. SPECULATION — CLEAN BREAKDOWN

FACT

Two Texas men indicted
Plans involved murder, rape, and enslavement
Homeless Americans targeted for recruitment
Prosecutors documented detailed plans for invasion
Child pornography charge included
They face up to life in prison

SPECULATION

Foreign assistance
Motivations linked to political ideology
Claims the plan was close to execution
Additional unnamed accomplices

CLOSING: A CASE THAT PUSHES THE LIMITS OF HUMAN DEPRAVITY

If the allegations are true, this wasn’t just a crime — it was a blueprint for genocide carried out by two young American men who believed they could create a personal kingdom through murder, rape, and exploitation.

It raises haunting questions:
How did this plot get so far?
Who else knew?
And could something like this happen again?

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

This case is unlike anything we’ve seen in years.
Do you believe this plot was real — or the delusion of dangerous fantasists who almost acted on it?
Share your thoughts in the comments.

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