By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following his arrest for brandishing a firearm at a Nashville protest, Elijah Millar, 19, was again taken into custody. A subsequent search of his Murfreesboro home by Murfreesboro Police and the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force yielded evidence, including computers and other items. Millar faces three counts of illegal weapons possession, stemming from a recent incident and a prior discovery of firearms in his home. His arrest followed a reported suicide attempt and a psychiatric evaluation.
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Elijah Millar, a 19-year-old man from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, found himself back in police custody on Tuesday, just days after a previous arrest for brandishing a handgun at a “No Kings” counter-protest in Nashville. This time, the charges are more serious: three counts of illegal possession of firearms. The arrest followed a search of Millar’s home by Murfreesboro police and members of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, further escalating the situation.
The search yielded what appeared to be evidence, including computers and other items, loaded into an unmarked police van. This added layer of investigation points to a potentially broader scope to the case than just the initial incident at the “No Kings” protest. The timing of the search, following a report that Millar was suicidal, suggests the events leading to his arrest involved multiple agencies and responses, and possibly, some prior intel.
One of the charges stems from a loaded 9mm handgun found on Millar during an encounter with police the night before his arrest. Officers responded to a call reporting that he was suicidal. When they stopped him outside his home as he tried to go back inside, they found the weapon tucked into his waistband along with a loaded magazine. His subsequent psychiatric evaluation ended with his release and immediate arrest on these new gun charges.
The other two charges are related to a Mossberg 500 12-gauge shotgun and a Smith & Wesson .38 Special, discovered during a previous search of Millar’s residence back in April. This revelation highlights a concerning pattern of illegal firearm possession, raising questions about how these weapons came into his possession and why he continued to have access to them despite a prior incident and a conservatorship due to mental health concerns. The fact that these guns were already known to authorities in April and only led to charges now raises further questions about the investigation and response protocols in such situations.
Millar’s previous arrest at the “No Kings” event involved him confronting protesters with a gun. This action alone, coupled with the current charges, paints a picture of an individual potentially presenting a significant danger to himself and the public. The fact that a loaded weapon was found on him during the police response to his suicidal state emphasizes the inherent risks associated with this situation. The description of Millar’s online history revealed alarming details, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative.
This history, characterized by admiration for Nazis and mass murderers, raises concerns beyond the immediate charges of illegal weapons possession. It sheds light on potential underlying extremist ideologies that may have contributed to his actions. It’s a troubling piece of the puzzle and necessitates a deeper investigation into the extent of his beliefs and their potential connection to his behavior. This type of profile further justifies the level of attention being given to this case and the involvement of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force.
The fact that Millar is under a conservatorship due to mental health issues underscores the gravity of the situation. Possessing firearms is illegal under such circumstances, and this directly violated his legal standing. This calls into question not only Millar’s actions but also raises questions about how the system failed to prevent him from acquiring and keeping the weapons. An investigation into the sources of his firearms and any negligence in the process of enforcing his conservatorship are warranted to prevent similar incidents.
Millar’s current legal standing involves a 72-hour hold before a detention hearing, which will determine if he will remain in custody. The sheer volume of weapons found in his possession, coupled with his documented online presence and actions at the “No Kings” protest, paints a concerning picture. He will most likely face lengthy prison time, and possibly additional charges as the investigation proceeds.
The entire incident serves as a reminder of the complexities of mental health, extremism, and gun control. It highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with individuals who possess dangerous ideologies and illegal weapons. And finally, it provokes a crucial conversation about ensuring adequate mental health support, effective gun control measures, and robust law enforcement response protocols to prevent future tragedies.