Country Singer Receives Death Threats Over Festival Backlash

A Wyoming man was arrested for allegedly sending threatening messages to a performer set to play at the controversial Rock the Country Music Festival.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Country singer Tanner Usrey received death threats over Facebook allegedly tied to his upcoming performance at the Rock the Country Music Festival. Baptiste Brafford of Sheridan, Wyoming was arrested and charged with sending the threatening messages, in which he referenced the recent assassination of political influencer Charlie Kirk. Brafford admitted to sending the threats while drunk, but pled not guilty to the charges. The Rock the Country Music Festival has faced growing controversy, with several performers dropping out due to the festival's perceived political leanings.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the growing tensions and polarization surrounding certain music festivals and events, where political affiliations and views of performers have become a point of contention. It also raises concerns about the safety and security of artists, as death threats can have serious consequences. The controversy surrounding the Rock the Country Music Festival speaks to the broader debate over the role of politics in the entertainment industry.

The details

According to the report, Baptiste Brafford of Sheridan, Wyoming was arrested and charged with sending death threats to country singer Tanner Usrey over Facebook. The threats were allegedly made in relation to Usrey's upcoming performance at the Rock the Country Music Festival. In the messages, Brafford referenced the recent assassination of political influencer Charlie Kirk, suggesting a similar fate could befall Usrey if he attended the festival in Rapid City, South Dakota. Brafford admitted to sending the threats while drunk, but pled not guilty to the charges. The Rock the Country Music Festival has faced growing controversy, with several performers dropping out due to the festival's perceived political leanings and association with vocal supporters of former President Donald Trump.

  • On Feb. 4, Baptiste Brafford was arrested at his home in Sheridan, Wyoming.
  • In early February, Brafford was charged with sending threatening messages to Tanner Usrey over Facebook.
  • Usrey's show in Rapid City, South Dakota on Feb. 6 ultimately went on as planned despite the threats.

The players

Tanner Usrey

A country singer who received death threats over Facebook allegedly tied to his upcoming performance at the Rock the Country Music Festival.

Baptiste Brafford

A 30-year-old man from Sheridan, Wyoming who was arrested and charged with sending death threats to Tanner Usrey over Facebook.

Rock the Country Music Festival

A music festival that has faced growing controversy and seen several performers drop out due to its perceived political leanings and association with vocal supporters of former President Donald Trump.

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What they’re saying

“Don't come to Rapid City, you could end up 'Charlie Kirk' spreading that same hate. It be an arrow though.”

— Baptiste Brafford (Sheridan Press)

“Hey a 30-06 (thirty-ought-six) would blow your head off. That's what killed Charlie Queen yet didn't blow his head off. You think it was an 06 (ought-six) but any good ole boy knows that was a .223 at best.”

— Baptiste Brafford (Sheridan Press)

“Getting death threats for being on a festival lineup is fucking CRAZY...”

— Tanner Usrey (X (formerly Twitter)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Baptiste Brafford out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing tensions and polarization surrounding certain music festivals, where political affiliations and views of performers have become a point of contention. It raises concerns about the safety and security of artists, as death threats can have serious consequences, and speaks to the broader debate over the role of politics in the entertainment industry.