Florida man arrested for threatening to run over protesters, police say
Share this @internewscast.com

Eloy Garcia, 64, was arrested on a charge of threatening communications or threats of a mass shooting, a second-degree felony.

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, a Dunedin resident is now facing a felony charge due to threats made on social media about driving into protesters.

Authorities allege that Eloy Garcia, 64, posted on Facebook the day before nationwide ‘No Kings’ protests were to take place, including in Florida, expressing his desire to run over demonstrators.

The arrest affidavit reveals Garcia’s online statement: “I’m spending so much money on gas, just driving around hoping to encounter protesting blockades or people with signs saying ‘don’t deport our illegals’ so I can simply run them over.”

The sheriff’s office said someone reported Garcia’s post and was concerned he would carry out what he threatened on social media at demonstrations scheduled for Saturday.

“I carry a couple of bricks and Molotov cocktails so I can put in their hands like a throw down weapon lol,” the post continued.

During an interview with investigators, the sheriff’s office said Garcia admitted to writing and posting the threats on his social media account.

He was arrested on a charge of threatening communications or threats of a mass shooting, a second-degree felony. Garcia was granted no bond, according to his arrest affidavit.

Thousands of people took to the streets on Saturday, protesting President Donald Trump, specifically his policies targeting illegal immigration and what some call “authoritarian or tyrannical-like” actions by his administration.

In Jacksonville, a man was arrested and charged with sending written threats to conduct an act of terrorism after he was accused of posting on social media, threatening to run over those protesting the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said last week that drivers who feel threatened by protesters are allowed to defend themselves, even if that means running protesters over.

Additionally, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey issued warnings to those who employ violence at protests across the state.

“If you throw a brick, a fire bomb, 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’re not going to play, this has got to stop,” Ivey said at a press conference Thursday.

Protests were largely peaceful in Tampa and Jacksonville, with no reported arrests during the ‘No Kings’ protests in either city.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
President Trump directs ICE to expand deportations in Democratic-run cities, undeterred by protests

President Trump Instructs ICE to Increase Deportations in Democrat-Led Cities, Unfazed by Protests

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that federal immigration authorities…
Anti-ICE rioters may face domestic terrorism federal charges as Trump admin sends stern message: ret FBI agent

Former FBI agent says anti-ICE protesters could be charged with domestic terrorism under Trump administration’s warning

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! As the anti-ICE unrest…
I was sexually abused as a kid — my mother-in-law won't stop belittling me about it

I experienced childhood sexual abuse, but my mother-in-law continues to mock me for it

DEAR ABBY: Growing up, I was a victim of sexual abuse, which…
Israeli official rejects Trump's call for Iran deal: 'Outrageous' to negotiate with 'evil, jihadist regime'

Israeli Leader Dismisses Trump’s Proposal for Iran Agreement: ‘Unthinkable’ to Negotiate with ‘Malevolent, Extremist Regime’

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Ohad Tal, a member…
Dramatic photos show Minnesota lawmaker's home damaged in shooting as manhunt for suspect continues

Striking Photos Reveal Damage to Minnesota Lawmaker’s Home Amid Ongoing Manhunt for Suspect

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! New images reveal large…
A guide to what the Juneteenth holiday is and how to celebrate it

Understanding Juneteenth: What It Is and Ways to Honor the Holiday

One hundred and sixty years have passed since enslaved individuals in Galveston,…
Timing of Mets rotation troubles come with plenty of worry

Mets Face Growing Concerns Over Unstable Pitching Rotation

Statistically, the Mets rotation remains atop the heap, No. 1 in all…
Portrait of Olia Hercules, a Ukrainian/British chef and author.

Ukrainian TV Chef Shares Her Mother’s Heartbreaking Final Gesture Before Russian Forces Drove Them from Their Home

MUM and Dad had a good life. Their house was by a…
Meghan Markle shares rare footage of Prince Harry with Archie and Lilibet on Father's Day

Meghan Markle Unveils Unseen Clips of Prince Harry with Archie and Lilibet on Father’s Day

Meghan Markle unveiled a collection of previously unseen videos featuring her husband,…
Yvette Cooper, Secretary of State for the Home Department, arriving at Downing Street.

Grooming Gangs to Face Justice Amid Warnings of Unrest if Inquiry Falls Short, Says Keir Starmer

Elite police units will pursue and incarcerate grooming gang offenders, as Sir…
Ex-Vikings player Jack Brewer blames Tim Walz for Minnesota lawmaker killings

Former Vikings Player Jack Brewer Blames Tim Walz for Minnesota Legislator Deaths

Jack Brewer, a former University of Minnesota football player and Minnesota Vikings…
3 Brooks Middle School employees fired over alleged misconduct, Valley View Community Unit School District 365-U says

Three Children Among Five Hurt in Crash Between Pickup Truck and Car in Woodstock, Illinois

UNINCORPORATED WOODSTOCK, Ill. (WLS) — A severe crash in the north suburbs…