Frank Lucio Carillo of Winchester, Virginia, faces federal charges for making violent threats against Vice President Kamala Harris, among others, using social media.
Law And Crime reported that Carillo's actions, expressed through his GETTR account, have led to charges under federal law for threatening the life of the Vice President.
The controversy began around July 27, when Carillo allegedly used his GETTR account to post several messages targeting high-profile political figures. These included Vice President Harris, President Biden, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer.
Stephen Richer, who gained attention for disputing fraud claims in the 2020 election, was recently involved in a defamation lawsuit against Kari Lake over the 2022 gubernatorial election. Carillo's threats spanned from violent statements against Harris to targeting other figures associated with political disputes.
The nature of the threats was disturbingly graphic. Carillo's posts suggested he would cause severe harm to Harris, including statements about setting her on fire and inflicting a slow, painful death.
Following Biden's endorsement of Harris as his successor, the threats escalated, leading to federal agents visiting Carillo at his home on August 2. He expressed disbelief at the seriousness with which his comments were taken.
During the visit by federal agents, Carillo acknowledged owning firearms, including a pistol and an AR-15.
His reaction to the agents' presence was one of confusion and minimization of his online actions.
Carillo reportedly told the agents that their visit over a "comment" was "ridiculous" and later remarked that he might need legal representation due to the gravity of the situation.
Carillo's posts included explicit threats. He allegedly stated he would "cut your eyes out of your F—ING head" in reference to Harris and threatened to "personally" set her on fire if necessary.
Another post included a threat to "pluck out her eyes with a pair of pliers" should Harris attempt to ascend to the presidency, alongside a promise to "shoot and kill anyone that gets in my way."
The charges against Carillo fall under 18 U.S. Code § 871, which deals specifically with threats against the President and Vice President, carrying a potential penalty of up to five years in prison.
The case has stirred discussions on the nature of political discourse and the line between free speech and actionable threats.
The severity of the threats has prompted a broader conversation about the safety of public officials and the consequences of violent rhetoric.
Local community leaders in Winchester have expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the need for respectful political dialogue and the importance of addressing threats seriously.
Legal experts have weighed in on the case, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between hyperbolic speech and genuine threats that warrant federal attention and potential legal consequences.
In conclusion, Frank Lucio Carillo's alleged threats against Vice President Kamala Harris have led to serious federal charges. His posts on GETTR not only targeted Harris but also involved other significant political figures, reflecting a disturbing trend in political discourse.
The case underscores the fine line between free expression and criminal threats, with significant implications for the safety of public officials. It also serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with the use of social media platforms in voicing political opinions.
