Brian Johnson, widely known by his online persona “The Liver King,” was apprehended and charged with making a terroristic threat targeting Joe Rogan. The incident occurred after the security team for the podcast host and UFC color commentator alerted police to a series of erratic videos Johnson had posted on social media.
The criminal complaint filed against Johnson, a copy of which was obtained on Monday, details the police investigation. Authorities concluded that Johnson was making credible threats against Rogan, including numerous social media posts challenging him to a fight and even traveling to Austin, Texas, where the 57-year-old comedian resides.
Police involvement began when a member of Rogan`s security staff became aware of Johnson`s social media activities. The videos escalated from general “numerous threats” to explicitly posting content “documenting that [he] had traveled to Austin and was currently in town to fight Joe Rogan.”
Rogan’s security personnel requested police intervention due to the intensifying nature of Johnson’s behavior, expressing concern about potential harm to Joe Rogan or his family.
According to the criminal complaint, police who viewed Johnson’s videos noted that his actions displayed signs of “some sort of mental health episode,” suggesting that Brian Johnson might pose a danger to himself or others.
One particular video identified by police showed Johnson shirtless, wearing a “fox headdress,” and holding what appeared to be “two firearms that appeared to be gold plated AR-15 short barrel rifles.” In this video, while holding the weapons, Johnson stated, “Joe Rogan, I’m calling you out, man to man, I’m picking a fight with you.”
Investigators viewed several additional videos from Johnson, including those showing he had driven approximately three hours from his home in Willis, Texas, to Austin, Texas, and continued making threats against Rogan while there.
Police subsequently contacted Rogan himself. He confirmed that his security team had initially informed him of Johnson`s threats and that he interpreted Johnson`s actions and statements as “threatening,” which led him to file a police report.
Rogan told officers he had never had any contact with Johnson previously and was unaware of the social media influencer’s motive for targeting him.
The veteran UFC commentator also informed police that he had heard Brian Johnson had a “significant drug issue.” Based on the numerous Instagram posts directed at him, Rogan stated he believed Johnson was “significantly unstable and seems like he needs help.”
As a result of these findings, police determined that Brian Johnson had committed the act of “terroristic threat” against Joe Rogan, and charges were formally filed. Johnson was arrested and subsequently released on a $20,000 bond. A restraining order was issued, requiring him to maintain a distance of at least 200 yards from Rogan, his family, residence, and places of business.
Johnson was also mandated to undergo a mental health evaluation within seven days following his release.
His next court appearance is scheduled for July 16.
