NAPLES, Fla. — Florida congressman and Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds went public last week about two separate threats made against him, warning that politically charged rhetoric creates dangerous conditions for people with untreated mental illness.
Donalds, a Naples Republican serving his third term in Congress, spoke about the incidents during a Friday radio appearance with host Mark Levin. He said the threats emerged after he re-shared President Donald Trump’s endorsement of his candidacy in the state’s Republican gubernatorial primary, set for August.
Two Separate Incidents
The first threat appeared on social media last month, with an individual directly threatening the congressman’s life. “Somebody just flat out said they were going to kill me,” Donalds said. A second person separately contacted his district office by phone and threatened to blow up the entire building.
Despite the incidents, Donalds said the threats had done the opposite of intimidating him — they had hardened his determination to remain in the race and ultimately succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis in Tallahassee.
Rhetoric and Real-World Consequences
Donalds used the moment to raise a broader concern about the relationship between political language and violent behavior. He described himself as a free speech absolutist but argued that irresponsible rhetoric serves as an opening for individuals who are already struggling with mental health issues. In his words, when public figures and media personalities compete for attention and engagement, they risk giving “an opening to somebody who has real mental health issues.”
He pointed to the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk as an example of political demonization translating into actual violence — a reference that underscores what Donalds sees as a pattern of escalating danger for figures on the right.
A Race With High Stakes
The threats come during a high-profile campaign season in Florida. Donalds is competing for the Republican gubernatorial nomination with Trump’s backing, and the August primary is drawing national attention. His candidacy carries significant implications for the direction of Florida’s executive branch after DeSantis’ tenure.
Florida’s political landscape has been defined in recent years by major policy battles — from education and school choice debates to a contentious $114.5 billion state budget that sent a property tax dispute into special session. Whoever wins the governor’s office will inherit a full legislative agenda.
Donalds has not called for restrictions on speech in response to the threats. His argument centers on personal responsibility among those with public platforms — that the pursuit of likes and attention can carry real-world consequences when the audience includes people in psychological crisis.
Law enforcement has not been referenced publicly as taking action on either threat, and Donalds did not indicate whether formal complaints had been filed.