A 20-year-old Florida woman, Danyele Callaway, was arrested on Tuesday after confessing to making online death threats towards Republican Governor Ron DeSantis. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office charged Callaway with a written or electronic threat to kill or inflict bodily injury.
The incident unfolded when threatening messages were sent to Governor DeSantis' office through his website, prompting his office to notify the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Subsequently, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office was contacted to investigate the threats.
The messages from Callaway included life-threatening statements and a request for an immediate in-person meeting, causing alarm among the governor's staff. Callaway, who has a history of prior arrests including domestic violence-related charges and battery on public servants, had previously made verbal threats against Governor DeSantis and expressed anti-government and anti-law enforcement sentiments.
Following the report, deputies from the sheriff's office's Behavioral Resource Unit conducted a mental health evaluation at Callaway's residence. During the evaluation, Callaway admitted to making the threats, leading to her arrest and subsequent booking into the Orient Road Jail.
Sheriff Chad Chronister emphasized that the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office takes threats seriously and will not tolerate individuals who attempt to spread fear and harm, especially through online platforms. He underscored the importance of upholding democratic principles and ensuring the safety of the community.
Chronister stated, 'Threatening the lives of those who serve our democratic institutions is an attack on the very principles of our society and justice system. While everyone is entitled to their own opinions, no one has the right to endanger others' lives.' He reiterated that violent threats will be met with accountability and that the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
This case serves as a reminder of the consequences of making violent threats and the commitment of law enforcement to safeguarding the community from such behavior.
