A Tarrant County suspect identified as a transgender individual was arrested this week on a terroristic‑threat charge after allegedly sending threatening messages to Republican Texas state Rep. David Lowe. The suspect, Natalie Fleur Braden, was booked on September 23 with a $500 bond, according to the county’s public booking index.
Charge and Legal Context
Under Texas Penal Code Section 22.07, a terroristic‑threat offense occurs when a person threatens to commit an act of violence with the intent to cause an emergency response, place a person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury, disrupt a public place or service, or influence government actions. The statute covers a range of conduct, from misdemeanor to felony penalties, depending on the specific intent and the target of the threat.
A threat aimed at causing fear of imminent serious bodily injury is generally a Class B misdemeanor, but the offense can be elevated to a Class A misdemeanor when directed at a public servant. The booking record lists only “terroristic threat” without specifying which subsection applies, so the precise statutory provision remains unclear.
Rep. David Lowe’s Background
Rep. David Lowe represents Texas House District 91, which includes part of Tarrant County. According to his official Texas House biography, Lowe served as a military police officer in the U.S. Army, completing four overseas tours, including two combat deployments to Afghanistan. He retired from the Army in 2015 and later pursued a career in law enforcement after graduating from the Texas Peace Officer’s Academy in 2018.
Prior Threats Against Public Officials in Tarrant County
This arrest follows another high‑profile case in the county. In January, Cesar Vizcaya‑Raudales was arrested on terroristic‑threat and harassment charges after alleged Facebook posts that read “Kill this judge” and “Kill law enforcement.” Vizcaya‑Raudales faced two bonds totaling $1.5 million. Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn emphasized that threatening judges or other officials is unacceptable and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Public‑Health Data on Transgender Adults
The article also references broader public‑health research indicating higher rates of mental‑health distress among transgender adults compared with cisgender adults. A 2022 CDC analysis of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System found that 37.2% of transgender females, 39.8% of transgender males, and 51.8% of transgender gender‑nonconforming respondents reported frequent mental distress, versus 15.7% of cisgender respondents. The CDC defined frequent mental distress as poor mental health on at least 14 of the previous 30 days.
Additional peer‑reviewed research published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine in May 2026 reported similar disparities: 47% of transgender and gender‑diverse adults experienced frequent mental distress, compared with 21% of cisgender adults. Unmet mental‑health needs were reported by 48% of transgender and gender‑diverse adults versus 26% of cisgender adults.
Next Steps
Braden’s case is in its early stages. Further details about the alleged messages, the specific statutory provision alleged, and the evidence supporting the arrest may become available if an arrest affidavit or additional court documents are released.
Authorities continue to monitor threats against public officials and emphasize that any intimidation of elected representatives or judges will be pursued aggressively under Texas law.
Original reporting: WBAP News/Talk (Dallas-Fort Worth) — read the source article.
