Overview
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s lawsuit secured a temporary restraining order Wednesday that stops occupancy at Malcolm Tanner’s two properties in Loving County until Nov. 1.
- Court filings say Tanner used social media to recruit followers by promising free homes and $5,000 a month in exchange for helping him seize control of local government.
- The state alleges the land lacks sewer access, septic systems and running water, with waste handled in ways that risk contaminating soil and groundwater in violation of health laws.
- The judge ruled on public‑health claims only, while the suit also seeks civil penalties under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act and labels the site a public nuisance.
- Loving County has roughly 64 residents, magnifying the political impact of new arrivals; Tanner has posted about taking over the county and said Thursday he will comply with the order.