Brian Johnson, widely recognized online as “The Liver King,” was recently apprehended and faces charges for allegedly making terroristic threats against podcaster and UFC commentator Joe Rogan. The arrest followed Rogan’s security team notifying authorities about a series of erratic videos Johnson posted on social media.
According to a copy of the criminal complaint obtained by MMA Fighting on Monday, an investigation led police to believe Johnson posed genuine threats towards Rogan. This included numerous social media updates challenging Rogan to a confrontation and later documenting Johnson`s drive to Austin, Texas, where the 57-year-old resides.
Initially, a member of Rogan’s security staff contacted law enforcement after discovering several concerning posts by Johnson. The content of these videos escalated from generalized threats to explicitly showing Johnson recording his travel to Austin with the stated purpose of confronting Joe Rogan.
Rogan’s security personnel requested police intervention due to the perceived escalation in Johnson’s behavior, expressing concern that he might potentially cause harm to Joe Rogan or his family.
In the criminal complaint, police noted that their review of Johnson’s videos suggested signs of what could be considered a “mental health episode.” Authorities believed this behavior indicated that Brian Johnson might be a risk to himself or others.
One specific video highlighted by police depicted Johnson without a shirt, wearing a “fox headdress” and holding two firearms that appeared to be gold-plated AR-15 style short-barrel rifles. While holding these weapons, Johnson directly 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 posts detailing his approximately three-hour trip from his home in Willis, Texas, to Austin, where he continued to issue threats against Rogan.
Law enforcement eventually spoke with Joe Rogan, who confirmed that his security team had first alerted him to Johnson’s threats. Rogan interpreted Johnson`s actions and statements as menacing, which prompted him to file a police report.
Rogan informed police that he had never had any prior contact with Johnson and was unsure why the social media personality had suddenly begun targeting him.
The veteran UFC color commentator also conveyed to police that he had been informed of Brian Johnson having a “significant drug issue.” Based on the numerous Instagram posts directed at him, Rogan expressed his belief that Johnson is “significantly unstable and seems like he needs help.”
Based on these findings, police concluded that Brian Johnson had committed the act of a “terroristic threat” against Joe Rogan, and charges were formally filed. Johnson was subsequently arrested and later released after posting a $20,000 bond. As part of his release conditions, 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 ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation within seven days following his release from custody.
His next scheduled court appearance is set for July 16.
