Florida law enforcement warn against violence at No Kings protests

TAMPA, Fla. — State and local law enforcement are putting out warnings ahead of planned weekend protests across the country, including several in the Tampa Bay area.

Saturday has been named “No Kings National Day of Mobilizations,” with thousands of activations spanning every state. 

“The kind of lawlessness that we’ve witnessed on the streets of California will not be tolerated in Florida,” Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze said Thursday during a press conference in Brevard County.

The county’s sheriff, Wayne Ivey, made it clear what will happen if there is violence. 

“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. We are not going to play,” he said.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said the Sunshine State is an anti-riot state. 

“We want to put the public on notice in Florida and remind everybody, you know, we have a law that says you cannot riot. We have enhanced penalties. If you engage in this behavior in Florida, you will do time,” Uthmeier said.

Several Tampa Bay-area agencies say they will be monitoring the rallies on Saturday. They released the following statements:

“The Tampa Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety of everyone in our city. We recognize that individuals may choose to peacefully express their First Amendment rights and understand some members of the community may wish to do so through demonstrations. Our goal is to work together to ensure these events are safe, legal, and respect the rights of all. We ask anyone who plans to participate in a demonstration to do so in a safe and responsible manner. The Tampa Police Department will continue its efforts to uphold the safety of everyone in the City of Tampa, fostering an environment where everyone can be heard and feel safe, equally.”

Citrus County Sheriff David Vincent released the following video after he said he saw concerning comments on their Facebook page about the protests.

In the video, he discouraged violence while ensuring it’s his job to “protect everyone’s rights as Americans and to uphold and afford everyone their constitutional rights.”

“What we should all agree on is that it’s okay to disagree and have different points of view, but how we respond to those things is what defines us. What we can’t do is let our emotions or disagreements harm others, incite violence, or impede another’s right to have the same freedoms,” he said, in part.

“I am confident that Citrus County will be an example of peaceful demonstrations, but please know that the great state of Florida is a law and order state. And if you come to Citrus County to start trouble, I am an equal opportunity arrestor,” the sheriff continued. 

“The Plant City Police Department recognizes and respects the constitutional right of every person to peacefully assemble, demonstrate and express their views. These rights are foundational and are protected under the First Amendment. We are committed to ensuring that individuals and groups can exercise these rights safely and without interference. Our role during peaceful demonstrations is to support public safety, protect the rights of all involved and ensure events remain peaceful. We will not intervene unless unlawful conduct occurs, or actions prevent others from exercising their right to peacefully assemble. We remain dedicated to serving our neighborhoods with fairness, professionalism and respect for all.”