East Tennessee Man Who Entered Nashville's Gordon Jewish Community Center Wearing a Disguise on Monday Arrested

Detectives assigned to the Security Threat component of the Specialized Investigations Division are continuing to examine the background of Travis Keith Garland, 31, who drove to and entered Gordon Jewish Community Center on Percy Warner Boulevard Monday evening wearing a fake beard, fake lock curls, a black coat and white silk scarf to make him appear as an orthodox Jewish Rabbi.

After MNPD detectives developed information that Garland was in Maryville (Blount County), authorities there arrested him Wednesday afternoon on an outstanding Nashville criminal trespassing warrant for his actions. An assault warrant was also issued against Garland today. It charges him with putting a Jewish Community Center security guard in fear as he tried to get him off the property.

Garland, with a cell phone in his hand to make it appear that he was recording or streaming, entered the Community Center at 7:45 p.m. Monday. After being immediately stopped by a front desk staff member, Garland, in disguise, asked to speak with a Rabbi. When told there was not a Rabbi on the property, Garland ignored the front desk staffer and continued past her to a secured door that was ajar due to two members entering that portion of the facility. They blocked Garland from entering. At that point, a security guard came to the lobby area and ordered Garland to leave, prompting Garland to continue demanding to speak with a Rabbi. The security guard reported Garland started eyeing his pistol, putting him in fear that he might try to take it. As the security guard persisted in his commands, Garland ultimately retreated out of the lobby to the parking lot. The security guard escorted Garland to the front gate and away from his car, not knowing what might be inside the vehicle. He finally got him off the premises. A West Precinct officer arrived moments later. Garland told the patrol officer that he was taking part in an Internet prank. Garland was unarmed and was allowed to leave the area after being warned.

Further investigation by Security Threat detectives, in consultation with staff of the Community Center and the District Attorney's Office, led to the determination that Garland should be charged. He was returned to Nashville from Maryville a short time ago and booked into the Downtown Detention Center. His bond is set at $250,000.