TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Tampa police are probing an armed confrontation that occurred during a District 5 City Council community meeting Thursday night.
Officers were dispatched shortly before 8 p.m. to 2005 Lamar Avenue for reports of a man with a gun. Upon arrival, they took Pastor Elvis Piggott into custody, who was subsequently released. No injuries were reported in the incident.
“This remains an active and open investigation as detectives continue gathering evidence and working to obtain witness statements to determine the facts leading up to the reported altercation and what, if any, charges may be applicable,” stated the Tampa police.
When asked about the incident, Piggott said he’s trusting law enforcement to handle the matter.
“I’m just really putting that situation in the hands of Tampa Police Department, as well as our state attorney’s office, to really investigate, and I believe that they’ll come up with the right conclusion of the matter,” Piggott commented.
Piggott told News Channel 8 that the confrontation happened while his 2-year-old son was present.
“Bad actors, bad behavior, took place, for no reason,” he said.
He also confirmed that earlier this week, he streamed a live video on Facebook expressing his thoughts on City Council candidate Naya Young’s level of political experience.
When asked whether Thursday night’s ordeal could have been connected to that post, Piggott said yes.
“I just feel within 15 months, she has to learn the job; after learning the job she has to run again and start reelection. You don’t have enough time to actually do any work. So we need someone who is experienced,” Piggott remarked in the video.
Young did not respond to News Channel 8’s request for comment. However, a volunteer from her campaign team sent a statement from Young:
I am deeply grateful to the community members who attended last night’s debate in the spirit of civic engagement and open dialogue. Your support throughout my campaign for City Council has meant so much.
Unfortunately, following a successful debate, an incident occurred during which a weapon was brandished. My heart goes out to those who experienced this shocking and unprovoked act of violence and intimidation in the course of their civic participation. The sanctity of our electoral process must always be held in the highest regard.
I firmly believe that our communities are capable of coming together to address even our most complex challenges in ways that are peaceful, respectful, and productive. To the people of District 5 and the City of Tampa, this incident does not change our course, we will move forward together.
The campaign is grateful for the swift response of community members and local authorities and emphasizes the importance of maintaining civility and respect throughout the electoral process.
– Toni Young, NayaForTampa
The incident also renews questions surrounding Florida’s new open carry law. Earlier this year, Governor Ron DeSantis said he does not believe the legislation will significantly impact day-to-day life.
“I don’t think it’s honestly going to make a meaningful difference in kind of the daily culture of Florida,” DeSantis said. “That would be my guess, simply because it hasn’t really done much different in these other states.”
Tampa police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Thursday night’s altercation.
