Texas sues to stop group from settling in far west county
Malcolm Tanner is looking to take over the government of Loving County, Texas, and the state of Texas aims to stop him by blocking his followers from settling on undeveloped land.
MENTONE, Texas (CN) — A charismatic leader promising land and cash in the desert of West Texas became the target of a lawsuit Monday brought by the state of Texas, which claims he is putting the lives of his followers at risk.
Malcolm Tanner, an Indiana resident, has begun a movement to take over the oil-rich and population-poor Loving County by moving people from across the country to his 10 acres of land outside the town of Mentone.
Tanner is a relatively mysterious figure. An online search turns up a website for Tanner and Tanner, an entertainment-oriented business that takes donations. He is also active on several social media platforms, with over 200,000 followers across Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. And from his business website to social media, he has advertised his candidacy for U.S. president in 2028.
Using social media, Tanner has promised free houses and $5,000 per month to people who move to the desolate settlement and register to vote. With more eligible voters, Tanner aims to hand-pick candidates who would be elected and placed in control of the county’s $60 million budget.
https://www.courthousenews.com/texas-sues-to-stop-group-from-settling-in-far-west-county/
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/investigations/article/loving-county-texas-election-takeover-20818355.php
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