Teenager faces federal charges for brandishing firearm at Nashville protest

In June 2025, during a protest event known as 'No Kings', Elijah Millar, a 19-year-old from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, was apprehended for allegedly brandishing a firearm. The protest occurred near Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in Nashville, where Millar, dressed in all-black clothing and a mask, confronted demonstrators, which led to his arrest by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Witnesses reported that Millar had spat at protesters and yelled, causing significant fear among the crowd. He was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm as he had been previously restricted from owning firearms due to a conservatorship order that identified him as at risk of substantial harm to himself and others. Three days after his initial release on bond, Millar was arrested again, this time for carrying a second loaded 9mm firearm in his waistband. Prosecutors raised concerns about his social media behavior indicating a potential desire to commit acts of mass violence. This incident came amid a nationwide series of 'No Kings' protests aimed to challenge Trump administration policies, which had garnered attention across more than 2,000 events throughout America. While most protests were peaceful, tensions escalated during events in some locations, notably with incidents of violence occurring elsewhere on the same day. Authorities emphasized that the right to mindful, peaceful protest is protected under the First Amendment and should not be undermined by armed individuals. Acting US Attorney Robert E. McGuire stated that the legal pursuit of offenses related to firearms is intended to safeguard public safety against possible violence. If convicted, Millar faces up to 15 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. The situation has drawn attention from federal investigations, including the FBI's Nashville Field Office, and it reflects the broader context of ongoing societal and political tensions surrounding protests across the country. The legal implications of Millar's actions highlight not only individual responsibility but also the societal ramifications that derive from gun violence in protest situations and the precarious balance between freedom of speech and public safety.