FL Woman Made Death Threats Against Gov. DeSantis: Sheriff

RIVERVIEW, FL — A Riverview woman faces charges after she made online death threats against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, according to a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office news release.

Danyele Callaway, 20, was charged with making a written or electronic threat to kill or inflict bodily harm.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement contacted the sheriff’s office Monday after DeSantis received threatening messages through the governor’s website.

Callaway, who identified herself in the message, requested an immediate in-person meeting with the governor and included life-threatening statements, which concerned DeSantis’ staff, HCSO said.

Deputies identified Callaway, who has a history of interactions with law enforcement, including arrests for domestic violence-related charges and battery on public servants.

She previously made verbal threats against DeSantis and “expressed strong anti-government and anti-law enforcement views,” the sheriff’s office said.

Deputies with the agency’s behavioral resource unit conducted a mental health evaluation on Callaway at her home Tuesday, just after 9:30 a.m., and assessed the potential threat based on her recent statements.

After she admitted to deputies that she made the online threats, she was taken into custody and charged.

“The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office will not tolerate any threats, especially from individuals who think they can hide behind their keyboards to spread fear and harm. We will not accept a threat against anyone in our community, especially our governor. Threatening the lives of those who serve our democratic institutions is an attack on the very principles of our society and justice system," Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "While everyone is entitled to their own opinions, no one has the right to endanger others' lives. This case is a stark reminder that violent threats will not be tolerated. We will continue to pursue and hold accountable anyone who seeks to disrupt the peace and safety of our community."