The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested a Riverview woman after she made online death threats to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
On July 8, 2024, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement alerted the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office following threatening messages received by Governor Ron DeSantis' Office on the Governor's website.
The message, authored by an individual identifying herself as Danyele Callaway, 20, included a request for an immediate in-person meeting and included life-threatening statements, prompting concerns among staff, who subsequently notified law enforcement.
Through investigative means, deputies identified Callaway. She has a history of interactions with law enforcement, including arrests for domestic violence-related charges and battery on public servants.
Callaway has previously made verbal threats against Governor Ron DeSantis and expressed strong anti-government and anti-law enforcement views.
On July 9, 2024, just after 9:30 a.m., deputies from HCSO's Behavioral Resource Unit responded to Callaway's residence to conduct a mental health evaluation and assess the potential threat posed by her recent statements.
After deputies interviewed Callaway, she admitted to making the online threats. Subsequently, she was taken into custody and is now facing charges of Written or Electronic Threat to Kill or Inflict Bodily Injury.
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," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "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."
This investigation is ongoing; any updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.