Elijah Manley arrested for alleged social media threats

Elijah Manley, a 27-year-old former Democratic candidate for Florida’s 20th Congressional District, has been arrested following a series of threatening posts on Facebook. Manley faces two counts of written threats to kill or do bodily injury.

According to arrest affidavits from the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Manley allegedly used social media to target individuals who did not support Florida Senate candidate Angie Nixon. In one post, he reportedly wrote, “Anybody not doing that, I promise you I’m going to cut your f*cking head off.” In another, he allegedly threatened to “burn y’all [expletive] castle to the ground” in response to political disagreements.

Investigators noted that one individual targeted by the comments expressed fear for her safety, stating that the account holder had previously visited her residence for political fundraising. After a warrant was issued, Manley turned himself in to authorities. During questioning, Manley reportedly claimed the remarks were not intended as actual threats but were instead challenges to the political views of others. The Broward State Attorney’s Office has requested that the case be reassigned to another state attorney.