Brian Johnson, the social media influencer famously known as Liver King, was arrested on Tuesday evening, June 24, 2025, by the Austin Police Department (APD). According to Travis County Jail records, Johnson faces a Class B misdemeanor charge of terroristic threat, a serious accusation that can carry penalties including up to six months in county jail and fines reaching $2,000.
The arrest has drawn significant attention due to Johnson's large online following—over 2.9 million fans—and his recent provocative behavior. Johnson is widely recognized for promoting ancestral living and raw meat diets, a niche that has earned him a devoted audience. However, it was a recent Instagram video posted on June 23 that appears to have precipitated his arrest.
In that video, Johnson directly challenged podcast host Joe Rogan to a fight, saying, "Joe Rogan, I’m calling you out, man to man. I have no training in jiu-jitsu. You’re a black belt. You should dismantle me. But I’m picking a fight with you. Your rules, I’ll come to you, whenever you’re ready." This public combat challenge sparked widespread speculation that the threat charge may be linked to this confrontation.
Following the initial call-out, Johnson posted multiple Instagram stories updating his followers on his whereabouts, indicating he was en route to Austin to confront Rogan. One such story featured Johnson saying, "Hey, Joe Rogan, we're taking a quick pit stop to grab a couple of treats. That's how we do it here. Welcome to Texas." He added, "I'm in kind of a fight mode, and I'm thinking I might have doubleshot energy drink, maybe. That's what I'm thinking. What would you drink?" These posts painted a picture of a man intent on following through with his challenge.
The next day, around 7:30 p.m., a video surfaced showing Johnson clad in a burgundy hoodie and sweatpants being handcuffed and escorted into a police vehicle in Austin. This footage confirmed his arrest and quickly circulated online, amplifying the story's reach.
Adding to the buzz, American radio host and conspiracy figure Alex Jones publicly announced Johnson’s arrest on social media. Jones claimed the APD was responding to "a lot of bizarre, cryptic threats to Joe Rogan" made by Johnson and that officers were en route to a downtown Austin hotel to detain him. While Jones's comments initially lacked official confirmation, the booking records from Travis County Jail have since substantiated the arrest, though details about the alleged threat's recipient remain undisclosed.
The Austin Police Department has not released further information regarding the specifics of the terroristic threat charge or the identity of the person targeted. As of now, no official statement has been provided, and Johnson's legal representation status remains unknown, with no attorney information listed in jail records.
The Class B misdemeanor of terroristic threat is typically applied when an individual threatens to harm others or cause public panic. It carries serious consequences, including potential jail time and fines. Johnson's case underscores the fine line between provocative social media behavior and actions that cross into legal jeopardy.
Johnson's arrest has left many of his followers and the broader public speculating about the implications of his challenge and the ensuing legal troubles. The dramatic sequence—from the Instagram call-out to the arrest—highlights the volatile intersection of online celebrity culture and real-world consequences.
As this story develops, authorities are expected to provide more clarity on the charges and the circumstances leading to Johnson's detention. Meanwhile, Johnson's fans and critics alike are watching closely to see how this high-profile case unfolds.
