We’d like to say we’re shocked, but this is MAGA America—where law enforcement officers talk more like warlords than public servants.
This week, Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey issued a chilling message to anyone planning to protest in Florida on or around June 14:
“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. Because we will kill you—graveyard dead.”
This is not a line from The Purge. This is a real threat from a uniformed sheriff, delivered to the press, with the full backing of Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and the not-so-silent nod of Governor Ron DeSantis.
Why Now?
Florida is bracing for the upcoming “No Kings” protest movement, planned for June 14—Donald Trump’s birthday. It’s expected to draw millions across the country, and law enforcement in several Republican-led states are preparing in the most extreme ways possible.
Sheriff Ivey, who has previously aligned himself with far-right “tough on crime” rhetoric, took it to another level this week—openly stating that violent protesters will be met with lethal force and that his deputies are trained to shoot to kill.
He didn’t stop there.
He also warned that:
Anyone who spits on or hits a deputy will end up “in a hospital bed or jail cell.”
Those who block roads or resist arrest could be “bitten by a K-9” or face extreme force.
And anyone questioning the legality of their tactics? Well, “take it to the court,” he says.
Let’s Be Very Clear: Protest Is Not a Crime
Let’s not get it twisted. No one is advocating for violence.
But peaceful protest is a constitutional right, not a provocation. And when a law enforcement officer threatens to kill people in advance of a protest, we’re not talking about law and order anymore—we’re talking about state-sponsored intimidation.
Sheriff Ivey’s remarks are not about de-escalation. They’re not about protecting communities. They’re about scaring people into silence.
And it’s not happening in a vacuum.
This Is Bigger Than Brevard County
Across the country, Republican officials are weaponizing law enforcement to suppress dissent. From federalizing the National Guard to ICE roundups at protest sites, to threats like this one, we’re witnessing the open criminalization of protest under the banner of “patriotism.”
And we’re calling it what it is: authoritarian creep.
When cops start telling the public “We will kill you,” the line between democracy and dictatorship has been crossed. Period.
FAFO Advice for Protesters
If you plan to attend the June 14 demonstrations—especially in Florida—please:
Travel with trusted friends and communicate clearly.
Document interactions with law enforcement.
Know your rights, and connect with local legal observers.
Avoid provocateurs and unsafe situations.
Share your location and exit plans.
Most importantly: Have self-awareness. If you sense danger or fear for yourself and others, then LEAVE. Don’t put yourself in harm’s way.
Final Word
Let’s not pretend this is normal. It isn’t.
Sheriff Ivey’s threat should concern every American, no matter their politics. If law enforcement can issue death threats with a badge, no one is safe—especially those standing up for justice.
–FAFO Newscast
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