Brian Johnson, widely known online as “The Liver King,” was arrested and charged with making a terroristic threat against podcaster and UFC color commentator Joe Rogan. The arrest occurred after Rogan`s security team contacted police regarding a series of concerning videos Johnson posted on social media.
A criminal complaint filed against Johnson revealed that an investigation led police to believe his threats towards Rogan were credible. This included numerous social media posts challenging Rogan to a fight and documented instances of Johnson traveling to Austin, Texas, the city where the 57-year-old comedian resides.
Police were initially alerted by a member of Rogan`s security detail who had become aware of Johnson`s social media activity. The videos escalated from general “numerous threats” to specifically posting content “documenting that [Johnson] had traveled to Austin and was currently in town to fight Joe Rogan.”
Rogan`s security team requested police intervention due to the escalating nature of Johnson`s behavior, expressing concern he could potentially cause “any harm to Joe Rogan or his family.”
In the criminal complaint, police noted that after reviewing several of Johnson’s videos, authorities believed his behavior indicated signs of “some sort of mental health episode,” suggesting Brian Johnson could pose a danger to himself or others.
One specific video highlighted by police showed Johnson shirtless, wearing a “fox headdress” and holding what appeared to be two “gold plated AR-15 short barrel rifles.” While holding the firearms, Johnson stated, “Joe Rogan, I’m calling you out, man to man, I’m picking a fight with you.”
Police reviewed additional videos from Johnson, including those showing he had made a three-hour trip from his home in Willis, Texas, to Austin, Texas, where he continued to make threats against Rogan.
Authorities eventually spoke with Joe Rogan, who confirmed his security team had first informed him of the threats. Rogan told police he interpreted Johnson`s actions and statements “as threatening,” which prompted him to file a police report.
Rogan informed police he had no prior contact with Johnson and was unaware of any reason why the social media influencer might suddenly be targeting him.
The veteran UFC commentator also told police he had been told that Brian Johnson “has a significant drug issue.” Based on Johnson`s numerous Instagram posts about him, Rogan believed Johnson was “significantly unstable and seems like he needs help.”
As a result of their findings, police concluded that Brian Johnson had committed the act of “terroristic threat towards Joe Rogan,” and charges were formally filed. Johnson was subsequently arrested and later released on a $20,000 bond. His release conditions include a restraining order mandating he stay at least 200 yards away from Rogan, his family, home, and places of business.
Johnson was also ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation within seven days of his release.
His next court hearing is currently scheduled for July 16.
Wesley Dunham 
Marcus Blakely