Fitness influencer Brian Johnson, widely known as “River King,” was taken into custody in Texas on Tuesday. This followed a series of unusual social media posts where he even dared podcaster Joe Rogan to a fight.
The 47-year-old Johnson was booked at Travis County Jail in Austin around 8:31 PM, facing misdemeanor charges related to making a threatening gesture of terrorism, according to official records.
Johnson had built a following by advocating for his extreme diet choices. He was reportedly a suspect in incidents in Texas, as confirmed by various sources.
Details surrounding his arrest remain unclear.
Images captured by his wife show Johnson dressed in a burgundy hoodie, sweatpants, and a tactical vest, all while handcuffed and placed near a police vehicle. These details were shared on his Instagram account.
Just before his arrest, he was seen playing meditation music and pacing restlessly in his living room, addressing topics like “Jail,” “Arrested,” and “Battle.”
During this time, his photographer was in touch with police officers and cautioned Johnson against putting a utility knife in his pocket while continuing to challenge Rogan.
Afterward, Johnson’s crew entered the room, leading to a moment where he acknowledged their presence.
In another video, Johnson is seen sliding over coffee while still pressing Logan’s name, gesturing toward a box marked with the “Joe Logan Experience” logo.
He informed those around him that if he faced arrest, the container with Rogan’s branding would go to “Mothership,” which is Rogan’s comedy venue in Austin.
Johnson instructed his photographer to upload the footage online before calling his two sons, who humorously dismiss Rogan while discussing “free WiFi passwords.”
As the family gathered for a prayer and embrace, sirens could be heard in the distance.
It’s uncertain who exactly the influencer may have posed a threat to, or whether UFC commentators played a role in his arrest.
Prior to this incident, Johnson had challenged Rogan to an “honorable” fight, hinting at tensions between them.
“Joe Rogan, I’ll reach out. I’m the King of the Liver. Man to man, I’m initiating a fight,” he declared while clad in wolf fur.
He acknowledged Rogan’s jiu-jitsu expertise, admitting that he might not stand a chance, but still expressed his desire to go through with it, stating he would adhere to Rogan’s conditions.
In a video posted the day before his arrest, he reiterated his challenge, claiming to have a “fighting family.”
Rogan, who has yet to host Johnson on his podcast, has discussed steroid use related to Johnson in past episodes.
Having relocated to Austin in 2020, Rogan now resides in a mansion reportedly worth $14.4 million.
Johnson has touted a peculiar diet involving animal liver and other extreme selections, claiming that they contributed to his impressive physique.
However, revelations surfaced that he had been spending around $11,000 monthly on steroids to achieve his look, which he later admitted to using alongside testosterone and human growth hormone (HGH).
Johnson’s journey was highlighted in the Netflix documentary “Untold: The Liver King,” which explored his rise in the social media landscape and his supplement empire.
