Apopka Mayor Threatened on Facebook, Suspect Arrested

Police say the suspect threatened to harm the mayor with a 'steel blade'.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Apopka Police Department arrested a 64-year-old man named Hector Cartagena after he allegedly threatened the city's mayor, Byron Nelson, over Facebook. In one message, Cartagena reportedly wrote that he would make the mayor 'feel the warmth of my steel blade.' Cartagena was taken into custody on Wednesday and faces charges of written/electronic threat of harm, threat of harm to an elected official, and aggravated stalking with a credible threat.

Why it matters

Threats against public officials, especially at the local level, raise concerns about the safety of elected leaders and the ability of citizens to engage in civic discourse without fear of violence. This incident highlights the challenges communities face in balancing free speech rights with the need to protect public figures from harm.

The details

According to the police affidavit, Cartagena called the mayor a 'child rapist' and a 'Grand Wizard' in his Facebook messages. When police responded to Cartagena's home, they found him wearing a black knife around his neck. Cartagena was taken into custody without incident.

  • On Wednesday, police responded to Cartagena's home shortly before 1 a.m. and took him into custody.
  • Earlier this week, police were tipped off about the threat Cartagena had made against the mayor over Facebook.

The players

Hector Cartagena

A 64-year-old Apopka resident who was arrested for allegedly threatening the city's mayor over Facebook.

Byron Nelson

The mayor of Apopka, Florida, who was the target of the Facebook threat from Cartagena.

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What they’re saying

“I already promised the child rapist Byron Nelson that he will feel the warmth of my steel blade as I aerate his Esophagus.”

— Hector Cartagena (Facebook)

What’s next

Cartagena is being held without bond, and the judge will determine if he should be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for elected officials, especially at the local level, to be vigilant about online threats and the importance of law enforcement taking such threats seriously to protect public safety and the integrity of the democratic process.