Elijah Manley, a candidate for Florida’s 20th congressional district, was taken into custody on Oct. 17 in Broward County after an affidavit alleged he posted threatening messages on Facebook aimed at political opponents.

The arrest follows a complaint filed Aug. 21 by the Broward Sheriff’s Office, which said two of Manley’s posts threatened physical harm to anyone who did not back Democratic Senate nominee Angie Nixon.

Threatening Posts Spark Investigation in Broward County

According to the arrest affidavit, the first post read, “I’m talking to y’all. I saw y’all comments earlier. I’m already pissed off, do not piss me off more. I swear to god, take me to war over this black woman and I promise y’all I will burn y’all mf castle to the ground and anyone else in my way.”

A second post allegedly warned, “This the type shii that will make me snap. Any of you that don’t support Angie Nixon, I promise you I will make your life a living hell to the very end. You better lineup behind the Democratic nominee like we always do.”

Both messages were posted from a Facebook account using the name “elijahdmanley.” The affidavit states the language was directed at users who expressed dissent toward Nixon, a U.S. Senate candidate.

"We take any threat of violence seriously, especially when it is tied to political discourse," a Broward Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said.

Legal Charges and Potential Penalties

Manley faces two counts of intimidation‑write/send threats to kill or injure, a felony under Florida law. The statute makes it a crime to knowingly transmit a threat of physical harm to another person.

If convicted, each count can carry up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000, though sentencing will depend on factors such as prior criminal history and the severity of the threats.

Political Context and Reaction

Manley’s campaign has been marked by a focus on conservative issues, but the alleged threats have drawn criticism from both sides of the aisle. Supporters of Angie Nixon have condemned the language, while some of Manley’s backers argue that the posts may have been fabricated or taken out of context.

The Florida Division of Elections has not yet commented on whether the criminal case will affect Manley’s ballot eligibility. Under state law, a candidate convicted of a felony may be barred from holding office, but the presumption of innocence remains until a court renders a verdict.

Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps

The Broward Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the source of the posts and whether any additional threats were made. Authorities have not released whether any digital forensics were performed to confirm the account’s ownership.

Manley’s legal team has indicated they will contest the charges, asserting that the posts do not reflect the candidate’s views and that the investigation is premature.

Key Facts

• Defendant: Elijah Manley, congressional candidate
• Charges: Two counts of intimidation‑write/send threats to kill or injure
• Location: Broward County, Florida
• Date of Arrest: Oct. 17, 2026
• Alleged Threats: Posted on Facebook on Aug. 21, targeting supporters of Angie Nixon
• Current Status: Arrested; investigation ongoing; no trial date set

What Comes Next for the Case and the Campaign?

The next court appearance for Manley is expected within the coming weeks, where a judge will determine bail and set a schedule for pre‑trial motions. The outcome could have implications for his congressional bid, especially if a conviction leads to disqualification. Meanwhile, the Broward Sheriff’s Office says it will continue to monitor online platforms for any further threats. The community watches closely as the case unfolds, underscoring the growing concern over political rhetoric turning violent in the digital age.