'Grandmaster Jay' set to be arraigned Monday on state wanton endangerment charges

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The leader of the Black militia group known as the NFAC is scheduled to be arraigned Monday after being indicted on state charges for allegedly pointing a weapon at law enforcement.

John Fitzgerald Johnson, also known as Grandmaster Jay, pleaded not guilty to five federal counts of wanton endangerment in December 2020.

He was arrested for allegedly pointing an assault rifle at Louisville Metro Police officers and federal officers on Sept. 4, the night before the 2020 Kentucky Derby.

Two federal officers and three LMPD officers were at the top of the Jefferson County Grand Jury Building watching a group of armed to watch the group but were blinded by a flashlight when they leaned over the roof, the affidavit claims.

Prosecutors said the flashlight was attached to the barrel of a rifle Johnson was pointing at the officers.

According to the Commonwealth's Attorney Office, the new indictment includes four additional victims, who are local law enforcement and weren't included in the federal indictment.

Johnson faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, if convicted.