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Travis Garland, 31, of Maryville, Tenn., was indicted earlier in the week on charges of civil rights intimidation and civil rights violation for what he called an “internet prank.” He then appeared in court on Jan. 24 to face two additional charges—criminal trespassing and assault—related to his actions.
While the judge presiding over Garland’s case elected to send the remaining charges to a grand jury, he denied the $250,000 bond previously set by the county magistrate.
Garland went to the Gordon JCC on the evening of Jan. 13 wearing a fake beard, fake lock curls, a black hat and coat and a white silk scarf. He had a cell phone in his hand as if recording or streaming the interaction, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department.
Garland, who was immediately stopped by a front desk staff member, asked to speak with a rabbi. When told there was no rabbi on the property, he ignored the staffer and tried to get through a secured door that had been opened by two members, who then blocked his entry.
Garland continued demanding to speak with a rabbi even after the center’s security guard came to escort him off the property. The guard later told authorities that Garland, who was unarmed, had eyed his pistol during the altercation, which left the guard concerned for his safety.
According to News Channel 5, Garland is the third member of the Goyim Defense League neo-Nazi group to be arrested in the area within the last six months.
