Virginia Deputy Fired for ‘Disturbing Comments’ on Social Media

Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts arrives to the Senate chamber at the Capitol in Washington on Jan. 16, 2020. Drew Angerer/Getty Images

A sheriff’s deputy in Virginia was fired after officials said threats against lawmakers and Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts were posted in a social media account belonging to him.

The Prince William County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that it was notified on Christmas about “disturbing comments being made on several social media outlets by a deputy sheriff.”

Sheriff Glendell Hill, a Republican, ordered an internal investigation.

“The investigation has concluded and the deputy has been terminated from employment with our office,” the office said.

According to news outlets, the deputy sheriff was identified as Aaron Hoffman. Screenshots of Hoffman’s Parler account showed messages threatening to kill doctors, legislators, and Roberts.

In one post about Roberts, the account said, “Sounds like his life needs to be shortened.” Roberts has drawn criticism in recent years for aligning with Democratic-appointed justices on some cases.

In another post, the account said: “I will kill anyone that touches my children without my consent. Not a threat, but a promise.”

Hoffman wasn’t able to be reached by The Epoch Times. He told the Washington Post that the posts were made by his account, but that his account was hacked.

“I did not make those posts,” Hoffman said. “I’m trying to figure out who did.” He said the posts disturbed him.

Hoffman’s LinkedIn account, which listed him as a deputy sheriff, has been deleted.