Frank Lucio Carillo, a 66-year-old man from Winchester, Virginia, has been arrested for allegedly making thousands of threatening posts on the conservative social media platform GETTR.
Authorities say Carillo’s online activity targeted Vice President Kamala Harris, President Joe Biden, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and other public officials.
Carillo, who made over 4,300 posts on the platform, was found to have mentioned Harris 19 times in his threatening messages, according to the criminal complaint.
The threats began shortly after Harris announced her candidacy for president following Biden’s withdrawal from the race.
In one particularly disturbing post from July 27, Carillo allegedly wrote to Harris:
“I will cut your eyes out of your [expletive] head while you’re alive.” On the same day, he posted another threat, stating, “I’m going to find you and your [expletive] family and I’m going to kill you all.”
These posts, along with others, prompted federal authorities to take action.
The FBI’s investigation into Carillo began after officials in Maricopa County, Arizona, alerted them to potential threats made on GETTR against the county recorder.
By tracking internet protocol, mobile device data, and other information, the FBI was able to link the posts to Carillo. Upon searching his home, agents seized a 9 mm pistol, an AR-15 rifle, and thousands of rounds of ammunition.
Carillo was arrested at his home and has since made his initial court appearance. He faces charges that could result in up to five years in prison if convicted.
U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh of the Western District of Virginia spoke about the importance of maintaining open political discourse, but warned that threats of violence cross a line that necessitates law enforcement intervention.
“We can disagree, argue, and debate,” Kavanaugh said, “but when those disagreements turn into threats, law enforcement must step in.”
Carillo’s attorney, Andrea Harris, declined to comment on the case.
The incident comes at a time of heightened concern for the safety of public officials, with recent threats and violence underscoring the risks they face.
FBI Director Christopher Wray has repeatedly warned of an “elevated threat environment” and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to addressing these dangers.
