Latest news with #WayneIvey
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Virginia man jailed after agents said he threatened to kill Brevard Sheriff Ivey, family
A 20-year-old Virginia man turned himself in at the Brevard County jail after investigators said he threatened Sheriff Wayne Ivey following Ivey's viral warning that unruly protesters at demonstrations who threw bricks or pointed guns at deputies would be killed "graveyard dead." A warrant for the man's arrest was issued by Brevard Circuit Judge Steve Henderson June 17 after comments on Facebook Messenger, containing threats to kill Ivey and his family in Brevard, were obtained by investigators, jail and court records show. Jacob Alexander Devan of Ashburn, Virginia, was booked into the Brevard County Jail Complex about 5 p.m. June 25, and charged with written, electronic threat to kill, harm another aggravated assault, harm to a public servant or family, simple assault and use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony, jail records show. It was not immediately known if Devan had any previous connections to Brevard County or knew Ivey — the county's top law enforcement officer — before the sheriff's June 12 statements were made ahead of the June 14 "No Kings" rallies taking place across the state. It was also unclear how the sheriff's office learned of the possible threats. The sheriff's office did not immediately reply to an inquiry from FLORIDA TODAY about the case. Devan will go before a Brevard County judge June 26 for a bond hearing. He remained in jail on a no bond status, according to jail records. The timing of the threats came after Ivey — who has a history of tough-talking comments about crime, immigration and juvenile crime — made the statements during a June 12 press conference in Titusville with Florida's Attorney General James Uthmeier. Standing at a podium bearing a "Florida: The Anti-Riot State" sign, the two discussed steps the state would take to punish violent offenders, while endorsing the right of peaceful protest. Ivey's controversial statements — described as 'dangerous and authoritarian,' by groups like and "dystopian" by others — drew widespread national attention, support from some conservative quarters and criticism from others, including pop musician Lizzo. Peaceful protests, Ivey said, 'are part of our democracy — we invite people to share their opinions. That's what our country is all about. The key word in that is 'peaceful.' And if it's peaceful, us and law enforcement are going to make sure you have a safe environment to do it in. That's part of that process." But "if you let it turn violent, you do not want to do that in Brevard County," he said. '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," said Ivey, who was elected to his fourth term in 2024. "We're not going to play.' Dozens of "No Kings" demonstrations — aimed at protesting President Trump's policies, immigration raids and deployment of National Guard troopers to Los Angeles — took place across the nation on June 14, including two in Brevard County. There were no reported issues with the Brevard demonstrations, which collectively drew between 3,000 and 4,000 people, according to organizers. But Ivey's comments continued to draw ire nationally and followed on the heels of Gov. Ron DeSantis stating publicly that Florida residents could use their cars to hit protesters if they felt threatened, referring to a 2021 law passed in the wake of nationwide protests over the death of George Floyd. Ivey later elaborated to FOX News 35 that his warnings about deadly force were aimed at any violent protesters who would put others at risk during the demonstrations. J.D. Gallop is a criminal justice/breaking news reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Gallop at 321-917-4641 or jgallop@ Or X, formerly known as Twitter: @JDGallop. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Virginia man jailed; agents said he threatened Brevard Sheriff Ivey
Fox News
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Florida sheriff scolds Lizzo after she said law enforcement threatened to 'kill' peaceful protestors
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey went viral for warning protesters to avoid violent tactics, and he blasted pop star Lizzo for apparently misconstruing his words in her own viral video. Ahead of the "No Kings" protests that occurred across the country, Ivey warned at a news conference alongside Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, "If you spit on us, you're going to the hospital and then jail. If you hit one of us, you're going to the hospital and then jail and most likely get bitten by one of our big beautiful dogs that we have here." He went on to further warn, "Throw a brick, 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're not going to play." Lizzo appeared to call out the video in a social media post. "I just watched a video of law enforcement saying they would kill — kill anyone who exercises their First Amendment rights to protest. And I've never seen anything more unconstitutional in my life. It was actually appalling," she said in a video posted on Instagram. She went on to declare, "We don't serve a king. We don't serve a dictator. We fought, and lived, and died for the right to vote for people who will protect and serve us, the people — we the people. And when that gets threatened, when that gets challenged, we just have to get louder. We just have to get prouder. It's the American thing to do." She concluded her video by saying, "I want to encourage everybody to remember their constitutional rights. I want to encourage everybody to also protect each other. Because the people that we put in position to protect us are not doing that. Know your rights, and stand on 'em." Fox News Digital reached out to the sheriff, who balked at how Lizzo appeared to mischaracterize his words. He assumed Lizzo was referring to his own comments, which were widely covered in the media. "Lizzo who?" he asked. "Until earlier tonight, I had never heard of her. So what she thinks matters exactly zero to me! She clearly didn't listen to what was actually said during the press conference, as is evidenced by how inaccurate her quote is." He added, "At no time were people peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights [ever] threatened, as what was actually said was that peaceful protests are part of our democracy, and we will provide a safe environment for peaceful protest to take place! My warnings were directed at violent protesters whose actions would put citizens and law enforcement officers' lives at risk!" Fox News Digital also reached out to Lizzo's management for comment, but did not immediately hear back.
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
No major problems reported at 'No Kings' rallies in Brevard
There were the warnings from the governor and from Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey. But aside from a few people falling prey to the heat and some passers-by flashing obscene hand gestures, Brevard County's "No Kings" protests went off without any major issues, police and community leaders reported. There were 'no real issues or concerns. For the most part it was a peaceful and respectful assembly,' Palm Bay Police Chief Mario Augello said of the rally held in the city Saturday, June 14. "They dispersed when they said they would without having to be directed." In Cocoa, two people were overcome by the heat and humidity as temperatures pushed upward into the mid-80s, police reported there. The rallies took place on the Space Coast and coincided with protests across the country — and hours before the large-scale military parade in Washington, D.C., organized by the Pentagon and hosted by the Trump administration. The nationwide protests — called to denounce Trump's presidency and the administrative changes he's put into place — drew millions of people across the country, and tens of thousands in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta. In some of the cities, there were reports of violence, with tear gas lobbed into crowds by police in Portland, Ore., and one person was wounded after someone fired off a gun during the downtown rally in Salt Lake City, police reported. One person drove a sport utility vehicle into a crowd of rallygoers in Culpeper, Va., following what authorities said was an otherwise peaceful demonstration. The peaceful rallies also took place in Brevard County days after Ivey made comments warning against violence at any demonstrations. "If you throw a brick, a fir bomb 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," said Ivey, whose comments went viral nationwide through social media and other news platforms. "We're not going to play,' Ivey said during a press conference in Titusville with the attorney general and others to reemphasize Gov. Ron DeSantis' message that Florida would not tolerate violent protests. DeSantis also said the state would not penalize drivers who rolled through crowds in self-defense. The violence, however, did not surface. '(The demonstrators) did a fantastic job. I'm proud of the community for showing the world that our sheriff had no reason for making such threats. Honestly, he needs to apologize,' said Lauren Giocone, one of the protesters at the Cocoa rally. An estimated 2,000 people lined the streets at State Road 520 and U.S. 1, holding up signs and waving. Giocone said that there was at least one truck that drove through the area repeatedly, belching smoke as it rode by. At another point, she said several pro-Trump men were seen walking through the crowd. No incidents were reported. In Palm Bay, between 400 to 600 people gathered for the protest, Palm Bay police reported. 'That's what America is about,' said Cocoa City Council Member Alex Goins. 'Living side by side with those from different walks of life and different views." J.D. Gallop is a criminal justice/breaking news reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Gallop at 321-917-4641 or jgallop@ X, formerly known as Twitter: @JDGallop. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Brevard 'No Kings' rallies go on without any major issues, police say
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
MAGA Sheriff Issues Chilling Warning to Protesters: ‘We Will Kill You'
Florida residents looking to exercise their First Amendment rights on Saturday have been dealt a stunning warning by state law enforcement. Immigration and Customs Enforcement protesters gathering for the Florida expression of the 'No Kings' national rallies have been told they could face the 'graveyard' if they get violent. 'If you spit on us, you're going to the hospital and then jail. If you hit one of us, you're going to the hospital and jail, and most likely get bitten by one of our big, beautiful dogs,' Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey told reporters at a news conference. '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, because we will kill you, graveyard dead. We're not going to play.' Ivey noted that 'peaceful protests' are part of American democracy but warned the operative word is 'peaceful.' 'I believe I can speak for my fellow sheriffs around the rest of the state,' Ivey said. The comments come on the heels of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' new 'zero tolerance' policy toward ICE protests, which engulfed parts of Los Angeles over the past week, prompting the president to send in the National Guard against the wishes of California Governor Gavin Newsom. 'You have a right to flee for your safety,' DeSantis told The Rubin Report podcast. 'If you drive off and you hit one of these people, that's their fault.' The sheriff's words echo the president's recent threats toward protesters—notably the description of law enforcement canines as 'big, beautiful dogs.' Trump himself told reporters last week that if protesters spit on law enforcement, 'they get hit very hard.' The ACLU of Florida has condemned the sheriff's comments, warning on social media that officers and law enforcement departments 'could be on the hook' for millions in damages if they use excessive force against protesters. 'Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey's violent and provocative threat to 'kill' protesters exercising their First Amendment rights is extremely un-American, and unbecoming for an elected leader sworn to protect the public,' ACLU Florida wrote online. Protests have taken place across the country this week, with estimates ranging from 14 to 25 cities currently experiencing demonstrations against the actions of ICE as they carry out Trump's supercharged immigration policies. Millions are expected to join the roughly 2,000 'No Kings' demonstrations planned nationwide for this weekend, which coincide with Trump's own birthday-slash-military parade on June 14. The president warned earlier this week that any disruptions to the military parade will face 'very heavy force.'
Fox News
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Florida sheriff fires off blunt message to violent anti-Trump protesters: 'We will kill you graveyard dead'
A Florida sheriff has issued a stern warning to protesters planning violence towards law enforcement officials as the United States braces for a wave of anti-Trump administration demonstrations. Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey cautioned against violent behavior during the upcoming "No Kings" protests expected across the country this weekend during a news conference alongside Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. "Throw a brick, firebomb or point a gun at one of our deputies, we will be notifying your family where to collect your remains at," Ivey said. "Because we will kill you graveyard dead. We're not going to play." Uthmeier also weighed in on the upcoming protests, urging Floridians to prioritize their safety if they get caught in the middle of a demonstration. "If you're a family out there, you're driving and all of a sudden you get surrounded by one of these angry demonstrations that's turned violent," Uthmeier said. "You don't need to sit there and wait while people smash your window and damage your vehicle and put your family in jeopardy. Just drive, get yourself out of harm's way." Ivey pointed to the ongoing chaos at anti-immigration protests throughout major cities across the country, before saying he "doesn't want to hear any whining later saying 'we didn't know.'" "As you watch these riots unfold across the country," Ivey said, "what you are seeing is buildings being burned down, police cars being bricked, having explosive devices thrown at them, having guns pointed at them, bricks thrown at them." Uthmeier went on to echo the statements from Ivey, adding, "we're grateful to have a great president and a governor that respects rule of law. In Florida, you're not going to see anything like you're seeing in California." The words of warning from officials come as authorities around the country are gearing up for a weekend of "No Kings" protests, which were organized by the 50501 Movement in response to President Donald Trump's inauguration earlier this year. The protests are scheduled to coincide with Trump's 79th birthday and an Army parade on Saturday, with organizers vowing the movement will remain peaceful. The 50501 Movement did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. "President Trump wants tanks in the street and a made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday," the organization's website states. "A spectacle meant to look like strength. But real power isn't staged in Washington. It rises up everywhere else." Officials are expecting two protests within Brevard County, according to Florida Today. "Florida will never be California," Uthmeier said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "Rioting is illegal in our state and our law enforcement are on full alert this weekend. If anyone participates in violent rioting, threatens or injures law enforcement, damages businesses or property or obstructs traffic, we will ensure you will see the back of a jail cell and prosecute you to the fullest. Florida stands by President Trump, ICE and the rule of law." The Brevard County Sheriff's Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Ivey closed the department's warning by acknowledging that peaceful protests "are part of our democracy." "Stand on the mountaintops and yell your opinion," Ivey said. "We invite that. But don't go breaking the law, because it won't go well for you."
