Police say a Nashville man is behind bars after allegedly threatening to "shoot someone in the head" on Music Row if he did not get money wired to him. The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Matthew Hibbard, has been charged with making a threat of mass violence and is being held on a $20,000 bond.
According to an arrest affidavit, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) Security Threat Section was alerted on May 30 after a series of digital messages and social media posts raised red flags. The affidavit quotes Hibbard as saying "someone's going to get shot in the head" and claiming he would "start on Music Row" while naming ASCAP and Allied Universal Security, as reported by WSMV.
MNPD unit that handles threats opened the case
The Security Threat Section of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, a specialized unit that investigates threats of violence and potential mass incidents, is listed as the lead agency on the case. According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, the section works in coordination with other specialized divisions when assessing and mitigating threats.
The affidavit cited by WSMV also states that Hibbard posted videos to an Instagram page in which he named multiple musicians and claimed to be outside the home of a prominent musician. The documents further allege he purchased a firearm at a gun store in Texas and told family members he planned to bring that weapon back to Nashville. He remains held on a $20,000 bond.
Why naming Music Row matters
Music Row is the tightly packed district of publishers, studios, and rights organizations that forms the core of Nashville's music industry. When threats target that neighborhood, they ripple far beyond a single block. Industry outlet MusicRow notes that the area is home to publishing offices and performing rights organizations, which helps explain why specifically naming ASCAP would set off alarms for local businesses and security teams.
What comes next
Hibbard currently faces one charge of making a threat of mass violence. Upcoming court proceedings and formal filings will determine whether prosecutors seek any additional charges or sentencing enhancements. The investigation remains active, and officials have not released further details.
