Isaiah Taivon Newsom, also known as Isaiah Taivon Porterfield, a 25-year-old resident of Nashville, has been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire emphasized, “Dangerous felons who possess firearms and put police officers at risk will face swift justice. We will not tolerate potential violence against first responders and will seek full accountability for those putting our first responders in danger."
Court documents reveal that on March 25, 2025, Metropolitan Nashville Police Department detectives conducted covert surveillance near a Nashboro Boulevard address. The detectives, stationed in unmarked vehicles, observed three individuals exiting near unit B, with Isaiah Newsom carrying what seemed to be a rifle.
While walking through the apartment complex, Newsom allegedly approached within fifteen feet of another detective’s unmarked vehicle, stopped near a tree, and pointed the rifle at the detective inside the vehicle. The detective relayed Newsom's actions to fellow officers, and as discussions over a plan of action ensued, Newsom walked past the front of the detective’s vehicle and pointed the rifle once more.
Upon the arrival of additional detectives, Newsom advanced to the front of the detective’s vehicle, pointing the rifle at the law enforcement officer. The detective, identifiable by his tactical vest and equipped with a body-worn camera, activated his blue lights and a siren burst while announcing himself as a police officer. This prompted Newsom and two others to flee. A foot pursuit ensued, with detectives, a K9 unit, and the Metro Nashville Police Department aviation unit assisting in detaining Newsom.
Investigators later found a Windham Weaponry WW-15, .223/5.56 caliber rifle in the area where Newsom fled. The rifle had been reported stolen from a Williamson County Sheriff’s Office vehicle. After being read his Miranda rights, Newsom confessed to possessing the rifle.
Newsom has a criminal history including two counts of aggravated robbery and two counts of felony theft in Shelby County, Tennessee, having served over seven years in the Tennessee Department of Correction.
If found guilty, Newsom may face a maximum of 15 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, alongside the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel M. Stephens is overseeing the prosecution.
This case forms part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which seeks to mitigate violent crime and enhance safety in neighborhoods by building community trust, supporting violence prevention organizations, and establishing strategic enforcement priorities.
It is important to note that the complaint against Newsom is a mere allegation, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.