A gun-wielding man who allegedly sent a series of threatening messages to a top NASCAR official has been arrested and is facing federal charges, authorities said this week.
According to court documents, the suspect, whose name has not yet been publicly released pending his initial court appearance, is accused of repeatedly contacting an executive affiliated with NASCAR and issuing violent threats over a period of several weeks.
Investigators say the messages included explicit references to firearms and implied that the official would be harmed if certain decisions were not reversed.
Law enforcement officials allege that the threats began after the racing organization announced disciplinary action in a recent Cup Series event.
While prosecutors did not detail the specific decision that triggered the suspect’s anger, they said the messages referenced race rulings and penalties that the man believed were unfair.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and local authorities launched a joint probe after the targeted official reported the messages to security personnel.
In an affidavit filed in federal court, an FBI agent wrote that the suspect used multiple online accounts and messaging platforms to contact the official directly and to post publicly about his grievances.
“The defendant’s communications included statements expressing a desire to confront the victim while armed,” the affidavit states.
“The nature and specificity of the threats caused the victim to fear for his safety and the safety of his family.”
Authorities said the situation escalated when the suspect allegedly sent photographs of himself holding a handgun and standing in front of what appeared to be his residence.
In one message, he allegedly wrote that he knew where the official worked and suggested he would travel to confront him at a race venue.
NASCAR, which sanctions and organizes stock car racing events across the United States, maintains a significant security presence at its races, including at high-profile events such as the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway.
After receiving the complaint, the organization coordinated with federal agents to assess potential risks at upcoming races and to ensure the safety of staff and competitors.
Agents traced the threatening communications to an IP address registered to the suspect’s home.
A search warrant executed at the residence led to the recovery of multiple firearms, including a semi-automatic handgun matching the one seen in the photos, as well as ammunition and electronic devices believed to have been used to send the messages.
The man was taken into custody without incident.
During an initial interview, he allegedly admitted to sending messages but claimed he had no intention of following through on the threats.
Prosecutors, however, argue that the content of the communications and the presence of firearms indicate a credible risk.
He has been charged with transmitting interstate threats and could face up to five years in federal prison if convicted.
Additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
Legal experts note that threats made via electronic communication fall under federal jurisdiction when they cross state lines, even if the sender claims they were venting frustration.
“The law does not require that a defendant actually carry out a threat,” said a former federal prosecutor familiar with similar cases.
“It is enough that the communication would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety.”
The targeted NASCAR official has not been publicly identified in court documents, and NASCAR declined to comment on the individual’s identity, citing security concerns.
In a brief statement, the organization said it takes “all threats to our personnel extremely seriously” and will cooperate fully with law enforcement.
“Our top priority is the safety and security of our employees, drivers, teams, and fans,” the statement said.
“We are grateful to law enforcement for their swift action in this matter.”
The case highlights growing concerns about online harassment and threats directed at sports officials and executives.
As professional sports organizations expand their digital presence, league leaders and referees have become more accessible and, in some cases, more vulnerable to disgruntled fans.
In recent years, several high-profile sports leagues have increased security measures for officials following contentious calls or controversial rule changes.
Industry analysts say that while most fan anger is limited to social media complaints, a small minority of individuals may escalate to direct threats.
The suspect is scheduled to appear in federal court later this week for a detention hearing, where a judge will determine whether he should remain in custody pending trial.
Prosecutors are expected to argue that his access to firearms and the nature of the alleged threats make him a danger to the community.
If convicted, the man could also face restrictions on firearm ownership and supervised release conditions after serving any prison sentence.
Defense counsel has not yet filed a formal response to the charges.
Authorities urged anyone who receives threatening messages to report them promptly.
“We encourage victims not to dismiss these communications as harmless,” the FBI agent wrote in the affidavit. “Early reporting allows us to intervene before a situation escalates.”
As the legal process unfolds, NASCAR officials are reviewing internal security protocols and evaluating whether additional protective measures are necessary at future events.
For now, races will continue as scheduled, with heightened awareness among staff and security teams.
