An anti-vaxxer from Maryland who works as a cybersecurity contractor for the Department of Defense was charged this week for “threatening to murder” Florida Congresswoman Frederica Wilson — after she introduced a bill requiring all public schools to vaccinate their students in exchange for federal funding.
Darryl Varnum, 42, of Westminster, allegedly left a voicemail with Wilson’s office, which included the “violent threats,” according to DOJ officials.
Wilson’s name is not actually listed in the criminal complaint — only “Person #1” — but sources tell the Daily Beast that she is the individual authorities are referring to.
“I will f—ing come down and kill your f—ing ass,” Varnum allegedly said on his voicemail.
“And you’re a congressperson,” he added, according to the Daily Beast. “That is fine. I hope the f—ing FBI, CIA and everybody else hears this shit.”
Varnum, at one point, told Rep. Wilson to “get the f–k out” of the Unites States — saying this is “America.”
“I’ll tell you what I’ll come down to Miami bitch. I’ll f–k you up,” he allegedly told the Democratic lawmaker. “Like the Cubans don’t even know.”
Varnum’s temper tantrum reportedly stemmed from Wilson’s introduction of The Vaccinate All Children Act, which would require all public schools to vaccinate their students in order to get federal funding.
The Pentagon contractor has been vocal in the past about his anti-vaxxer beliefs — posting regularly on Facebook.
“Holocaust has begun!” he said in June after Wilson introduced the All Children legislation. “I’m done with this bulls–t. Time to step up or ship out!”
Varnum later commented on the post, telling users: “All of our guns are next. Been trying for years!”
He followed up the message with another FB status a minute later, saying: “WAKE UP AMERICA!”
“Wake up in prison,” a user replied Thursday, calling Varnum a “weirdo.”
The senior cyber systems engineer is employed by Sealing Technologies Inc., according to his LinkedIn page. Federal officials said he’s “currently working at the Defense Information Systems Agency Headquarters.”
Varnum was indicted this week after being arrested on July 8. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, if convicted.