A 19 year old Stewart County man, Gunner Joseph Fisher, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for making online threats to carry out a mass shooting at a Nashville mosque in late 2024.
Federal prosecutors said Fisher posted violent messages and images of weapons, expressed admiration for the Christchurch mosque shooter, and discussed plans suggesting he intended to carry out an attack. Authorities began investigating after a tip from Meta and later received another warning through Nashville Crime Stoppers. When questioned by law enforcement, Fisher said he was “trying to sound cool,” but prosecutors said evidence on his phone included a manifesto referencing an attack inspired by Christchurch and communications with minors.
Fisher pleaded guilty to two counts of making interstate threats. Prosecutors argued his actions showed intent, while his defense said he was a mentally ill young man engaging in online roleplay and had no real plan to act. His attorney also said he has since rejected those views and was influenced by online communities.
The judge also ordered three months of supervised release after prison and recommended mental health treatment, vocational training, and GED programs while incarcerated. Fisher has until July 10 to report to prison.