Polk deputy charged after making threats on social media about Capitol riots

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Polk County deputy was arrested after investigators say he made threats related to the violence at the U.S. Capitol last week.

Detectives arrested 29-year-old Peter Heneen on charges of “written threats to kill, do bodily injury, or conduct a mass shooting or an act of terrorism,” which is a second-degree felony.

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At a press conference Tuesday evening, Sheriff Grady Judd said that the investigation into Heneen began after a colleague reported to his superiors that he was concerned for Hennen’s mental health.

According to the sheriff, Hennen was communicating with another deputy via social media about the Capitol riots on the night of Jan 6.

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During the conversation, Heneen made several threats of violence against politicians as well as law enforcement and military personnel.

According to the sheriff’s office, Heneen had been disciplined for minor infractions in his time with the department. Once for not following a superior’s directive to shine his shoes another for a minor car accident.

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Hennen, who has been with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office since 2014, was suspended pending a termination hearing.

WFTV