Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey issued a harsh warning to protesters on Thursday who used violence in his county: “We will kill your cemetery to die.”
Ivey said in a press conference with Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier that peaceful protests were “a part of our democracy” and allowed, but anyone who uses violence or interferes with law enforcement will be achieved by force, potentially deadly forces.
“Drop a brick, bomb or point a gun at one of our representatives and we will inform your family where to collect your remains,” he said. “Because we will kill your cemetery to die. We won't play.”
Ivy spoke when protesting against the Trump administration’s immigration policy, shocked Los Angeles and erupted in other cities, and planned a nationwide protest against the president’s actions on Saturday.
The sheriff has been studying since 2013 and said if someone tries to riot the car, they may be knocked down and towed in the street. He added that if someone strikes, they will go to the hospital and may be bitten by one of the agency’s “big and beautiful” dogs.
“If you make it violent – wow, you don't want to do that in Brevard County. I'm going to tell you.” “You don't want it to happen.”
He later said, “I don't want to hear any complaints, saying 'We don't know'.”
Both Ivey and Uthmeier speak on a podium with the word “Florida: Anti-Mohfia”
The press conference comes ahead of a national “King-free” protest against the Trump administration across the country. Several protests are planned in central Florida, including near Orlando, Apopka, Kissimmee and Lake Mary.
Ivey said the “riots” have occurred nationwide, and law enforcement officers, including U.S. immigration and customs law enforcement officers, are targeted. Both Ivey and Uthmeier reiterated their support for Ice.
Uthmeier said Florida is unlike California, where the Trump administration deployed the National Guard and will deploy the U.S. Marines after protesting against ICE's deportation operations.
“We have done an excellent working partnership with the federal government, ICE, and we are very proud to support them,” Uthmeier said.
“We are not California. We do not allow riots in Florida,” he said.
Just before he quit his job from the podium, Ivey reiterated his warning last time.
“Go protest against everything you want. Do it peacefully. Stand on the top of the mountain and shout your opinions, your views.” “We invite it, but you dare not break the law because it won't be very good for you.”
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