A Virginia man, Frank Lucio Carillo, has been charged with making death threats against Vice President Kamala Harris and appeared in federal court recently. According to court records, Carillo made numerous threats against Harris, President Joe Biden, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and several Arizona officials on the right-wing social media platform Gettr. The FBI, in response to a subpoena, discovered 4,359 posts from Carillo targeting various public officials, including Harris.
Among the posts, Carillo allegedly threatened to cut out Harris’s eyes and described various ways he wanted to kill the vice president. In one particularly graphic and expletive-laden rant, Carillo referred to Harris as a btch and expressed a desire for her to suffer a slow agonizing death. The court records cite several similar posts with detailed threats against the vice president and other officials.
In addition to the threats against Harris, Carillo made Islamophobic posts, including one in 2023 where he incited violence against Muslims, urging people to go out with your guns and kill all Muslims. When FBI agents first arrived at Carillo’s residence due to his social media posts, Carillo seemed to anticipate their visit, asking if they were there about the online stuff and admitted, I posted it. He also appeared to acknowledge the gravity of his situation by remarking to himself, I guess I’m gonna need a lawyer, as noted in court documents.
During the search of his home, federal agents retrieved two firearms, including a pistol purchased in 2023 and a rifle acquired this year. These weapons underscore the potential seriousness of Carillo’s threats and the immediate risk he posed. A hearing is scheduled to determine whether Carillo will remain in custody while awaiting the resolution of his case.
The charges against Carillo highlight the increasing concern over violent rhetoric and threats against public officials, which have become more prevalent with the rise of social media platforms that often serve as echo chambers for extremist views. Carillo’s case is a stark reminder of the potential real-world consequences of such online vitriol. The FBI and other law enforcement agencies continue to monitor and respond to threats against public officials to ensure their safety and maintain public order.
CNN has reached out to an attorney for Carillo for comment, but no response has been provided at this time. The case continues to unfold as authorities and the judicial system work to address the serious allegations against Carillo and ensure justice is served.
This incident also brings to light the broader issue of the safety of public figures in the highly polarized political climate of the United States. The threats against Vice President Harris and other officials underscore the urgent need for robust protective measures and the importance of addressing the root causes of such violent rhetoric. As the investigation proceeds, the authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to safeguard those in public service from such threats.
