Billy James McFatridge charged with threatening Texas Senate candidate

Billy James McFatridge, a resident of Fort Worth, faces criminal charges for allegedly sending violent threats to Texas Democratic Senate candidate and State Representative James Talarico.

According to an arrest affidavit, McFatridge is charged with terroristic threat against a public servant. Investigators allege that in early August, McFatridge used online accounts to send messages to Talarico’s campaign email and Instagram account. The threats included claims that he would “slit” Talarico’s throat and drag his body through the streets.

The Texas Department of Public Safety’s Criminal Investigation Division was notified of the messages on August 12. Following search warrants for subscriber information from Google and Meta, investigators identified McFatridge as the owner of the accounts used. During an interview with DPS agents, McFatridge reportedly admitted to owning the accounts and sending the messages, though he stated he intended only to “scare” the candidate rather than cause physical harm.