As the United States anticipates a surge of anti-Trump administration demonstrations, a Florida sheriff has issued a stark warning to protesters contemplating violence against law enforcement officials.
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, during a news conference with Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, cautioned against violent conduct in the forthcoming "No Kings" protests expected nationwide this weekend.
"Throw a brick, firebomb or point a gun at one of our deputies, we will be notifying your family where to collect your remains at," Ivey declared, according to Fox News. "Because we will kill you graveyard dead. Were not going to play."
Attorney General Uthmeier also addressed the imminent protests, advising Floridians to prioritize their safety should they find themselves amidst a demonstration. "If you're a family out there, you're driving and all of a sudden you get surrounded by one of these angry demonstrations that's turned violent," Uthmeier said. "You don't need to sit there and wait while people smash your window and damage your vehicle and put your family in jeopardy. Just drive, get yourself out of harms way."
Ivey referenced the ongoing turmoil at anti-immigration protests in major cities nationwide, expressing his desire to avoid any subsequent complaints of ignorance. "As you watch these riots unfold across the country," Ivey said, "what you are seeing is buildings being burned down, police cars being bricked, having explosive devices thrown at them, having guns pointed at them, bricks thrown at them."
Uthmeier echoed Ivey's sentiments, expressing gratitude for a president and governor who respect the rule of law. "In Florida, you're not going to see anything like you're seeing in California," he stated.
These stern warnings from officials come as law enforcement agencies across the country prepare for a weekend of "No Kings" protests. These demonstrations, organized by the 50501 Movement in response to President Donald Trumps inauguration earlier this year, are set to coincide with Trumps 79th birthday and an Army parade on Saturday. The organizers have pledged to maintain a peaceful protest.
"President Trump wants tanks in the street and a made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday," the organizations website states. "A spectacle meant to look like strength. But real power isnt staged in Washington. It rises up everywhere else."
Authorities anticipate two protests within Brevard County, as reported by Florida Today. Uthmeier emphasized Florida's stance in a statement to Fox News Digital, "Florida will never be California. Rioting is illegal in our state and our law enforcement are on full alert this weekend. If anyone participates in violent rioting, threatens or injures law enforcement, damages businesses or property or obstructs traffic, we will ensure you will see the back of a jail cell and prosecute you to the fullest. Florida stands by President Trump, ICE and the rule of law."
Sheriff Ivey concluded the departments warning by acknowledging that peaceful protests "are part of our democracy." He encouraged citizens to voice their opinions, but warned against breaking the law, stating, "Stand on the mountaintops and yell your opinion. We invite that. But dont go breaking the law, because it wont go well for you."
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