A Hondo man, Jay Anthony Villarreal, 25, was found guilty by a federal jury in San Antonio for threatening to overthrow the United States government in 2025. Villarreal faces an interstate threatening communication charge and is scheduled for sentencing on September 21.

Threats and Arrest

Villarreal had planned to drive to Washington, D.C., with a semi-automatic rifle, a .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol, and a 9mm semiautomatic pistol. He also had a Bible, a copy of the Texas Penal Code, extra loaded magazines, and multiple boxes of ammunition. A friend reported his social media post to the FBI, which led to his arrest on July 2, 2025.

The FBI searched his home and found two U.S. military smoke grenades, along with the firearms and materials he had in his vehicle. U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas Justin R. Simmons stated that friends and family members recognized the threat and contacted the FBI, preventing a potential mass casualty event.

Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.