27-year-old Waylon Allen Bailey resides in Rapides Parish, Louisiana.
Recently, the man reportedly created a Facebook post stating, “SHARE SHARE SHARE ! ! ! ! JUST IN: RAPIDES PARISH SHERIFFS OFFICE HAVE ISSUED THE ORDER, IF DEPUTIES COME INTO CONTACT WITH “THE INFECTED’ SHOOT ON SIGHT….Lord have mercy on us all. #Covid9teen #weneedyoubradpit,” purportedly comparing the current state of the world to the movie World War Z.
The hashtag #weneedyoubradpit signaled many readers of the post that Bailey was using dark humor in asking for assistance from the actor, who starred in the science fiction film. In the movie, a virus that started in China caused humans to turn into zombies as it spread across the globe and Pitt is cast in the role of the hero.
When the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office learned about the post, they looked into its source and determined that Bailey had created and distributed it.
According to the sheriff, due to the belief that he was “communicating false information to alarm or cause other serious disruptions to the general public” during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Bailey was sought by law enforcement so that they could place him under arrest.
While he was in the area near his home, the authorities crossed paths with Bailey and he was taken into custody.
Bailey was taken to the Parrish Detention Center and he is facing charges for suspicion of terrorism. He is being held in lieu of a $10,000 bond.
When the public became aware of Bailey’s arrest several people commented online to support him, saying that his First Amendment rights were not considered when he was incarcerated for the material.
If he is prosecuted and convicted for the charge, Bailey could face a sentence of up to 15-years in prison.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a crime, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.