Florida sheriff threatens to kill violent protesters ‘graveyard dead’
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If Florida protesters find themselves inspired by rioters against immigration crackdowns happening in Los Angeles, they better think again.
As California officials continue to butt heads with U.S. President Donald Trump and his immigration enforcement agents, Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey bluntly said those raucous actions won’t be tolerated in his county.
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He went on to carefully explain what he meant by “turn violent,” breaking down what punishment various offences could carry.
“If you resist lawful orders, you’re going to jail,” he said in a press conference Thursday, ahead of a scheduled demonstration this weekend.
“If you block an intersection or a roadway, you’re going to jail,” the sheriff continued. “If you flee arrest, you’re going to go to jail tired, because we are going to run you down and put you to jail.”
“If you try to mob-roll a car … gathering around and refusing to let the driver leave, in our county you’re most likely going to get run over and dragged across the street,” Ivey said.
“If you spit on us, you’re going to the hospital, and then jail,” Ivey declared. “If you hit one of us, you’re going to the hospital, and then jail, and most likely bitten by one of our big, beautiful dogs here.”
That’s when Ivey gets to the more serious offences.
“If you throw a brick, a firebomb, or point a gun at one of our deputies, we will be notifying your family where to collect your remains at. Because we will kill you, graveyard dead,” he said.
“We’re not going to play. This has got to stop.”
Opponents of the Trump administration are set to rally in hundreds of cities on Saturday – which also happens to be the President’s birthday – during the military parade in Washington to mark the Army’s 250th anniversary.
The “No Kings” protests are set to take place to counter what organizers say are Trump’s plans to feed his ego on his 79th birthday and Flag Day, according to the Associated Press.
Ivey’s no-nonsense comments come days after Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd also warned protesters against rioting.
With Florida Governor Ron DeSantis standing behind him at the press conference, Judd holds up two photos – one showing a “peaceful protest” and the other showing a fiery “riot.”
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“We can tell the difference. The governor can tell the difference. Our law enforcement officers can tell the difference,” Judd said.
He then pulls out two different photos for those who didn’t understand what he was saying – one of a peaceful demonstration, the other showing looters.
“If you loot, the next thing you can try to steal is something off of your food tray at the county jail,” Judd continued as those behind him, including DeSantis, smile, nod and try to stifle their laughter.
“Because you’re going to jail,” he added. “That’s a guarantee. And we’re going to enjoy taking you down there.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom has been battling Trump over his handling of protests and riots in L.A., insisting that the deployment of National Guard troops and Marines have only worsened the situation.
The riots in L.A. started June 6 following ICE raids across the city, sparking new protests across the country.
The Trump administration said immigration raids and deportations will continue.
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