WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Bryan Slater, a 46-year-old resident of Palm Beach Gardens, was arrested Wednesday following a multi-agency investigation into online threats he allegedly made against senior personnel at the West Palm Beach Police Department (WPBPD).
Authorities say Slater used a Facebook alias, “Chris Kyililel,” to post a threatening comment under a group photo of WPBPD members. The disturbing message read, “All pictured are dead.” Investigators later confirmed Slater was the person behind the alias.
The threats, which began last Friday, reportedly targeted nearly every level of the department’s leadership — including Chief Tony Araujo, Deputy Chief Tony Shearer, an Assistant Chief, a Major, Lieutenants, and other officers and staff. According to law enforcement, the language in the posts suggested imminent harm or death, prompting immediate action.
Slater now faces a second-degree felony charge for making written or electronic threats to kill, inflict bodily harm, or commit acts of mass violence. WPBPD leadership emphasized their commitment to protecting officers from any form of threat, whether verbal, written, or online.
“We have zero tolerance for any threats made against our law enforcement personnel. These matters are taken seriously and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Deputy Chief Tony Shearer.
Criminal defense attorney Craig Williams explained that even nonspecific threats are considered criminal under Florida law. “He doesn’t have to detail how he’ll carry it out. Just stating that someone will die is enough to warrant arrest and potentially lead to a conviction,” Williams said.
Slater was taken into custody without incident, thanks to the coordinated effort between WPBPD, the State Attorney’s Office, and other local, state, and federal agencies. The investigation remains ongoing.