Frank Lucio Carillo, a 66-year-old resident of Winchester, Virginia, has been charged with making violent online threats against Vice President Kamala Harris, President Joe Biden, and other high-ranking officials.
Carillo was arrested last Friday, Aug. 2. 2024, following an FBI investigation that linked him to thousands of threatening posts on the conservative social media platform GETTR.
According to the criminal complaint, Carillo allegedly made over 4,300 posts, including 19 specific mentions of Vice President Harris.
The threats began shortly after President Biden announced his decision not to seek re-election and Harris declared her candidacy.
In one of the most egregious posts, dated July 27, Carillo allegedly wrote that Harris “does not have a snowball’s chance in hell” and threatened to “cut [her] eyes out” while she was still alive. In another post the same day, he threatened to kill Harris and her family.
The FBI initiated an investigation into Carillo after officials in Maricopa County, Arizona, reported potential threats made against the county recorder on GETTR.
Using internet protocol data, mobile device information, and other evidence, investigators were able to trace the posts back to Carillo. A search of his residence led to the seizure of a 9 mm pistol, an AR-15 rifle, and thousands of rounds of ammunition.
Carillo was taken into custody and made his initial appearance in federal court on Monday. He faces charges of making threats against federal officials, which could result in a prison sentence of up to five years if convicted. Another hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
In response to the charges, U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh of the Western District of Virginia underscored the importance of maintaining lawful political discourse.
“While robust debate is a fundamental part of our democratic process, threats of violence against public officials cross a legal line that necessitates swift action,” Kavanaugh stated.
The case highlights the increasing dangers faced by public officials in today’s polarized political climate. FBI Director Christopher Wray has repeatedly emphasized the heightened threat environment, noting during a recent House Judiciary Committee hearing that the Bureau remains focused on addressing these risks.
The arrest of Carillo comes amid a series of similar incidents, including recent threats and acts of violence targeting politicians and public figures.
Carillo’s attorney, Andrea Harris, declined to provide a statement on the charges.
