DUNEDIN, Fla. (WFLA) — A man in Dunedin is now facing a felony charge after threatening to run over protesters.
Eloy Garcia, 64, was charged on Saturday with threatening communications or threatening a mass shooting, which is a second-degree felony.
An affidavit by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office detailed that Garcia posted on Facebook on Friday, which preceded a day marked for ‘No Kings’ protests throughout the state and nation.
In his post, Garcia expressed frustration about the cost of gas, as he drove around in hopes of encountering protesters blocking roads or individuals carrying signs against deportation, with the intention of running them over.
Thousands took to the streets on Saturday to protest the Trump administration, specifically his recent actions on tackling illegal immigration.
“I carry a couple of bricks and Molotov cocktails so I can put in their hands like a throw down weapon lol,” Garcia wrote.
The governor noted in a press conference the previous week that drivers may hit protesters, but only if they are in a situation where they fear for their safety.
