Florida Sheriff Says He’ll Deputize Legal Gun Owners To Stop Riots If He Has To

Jordan Davidson reporting for The Federalist

In a video posted to Facebook, Clay County, Florida Sheriff Darryl Daniels, backed by more than 15 members of his department, announced his mission to protect the people in his county from rioting and looting.

“We swore an oath and in that oath, we swore to support, protect and defend the Constitution, the United States and the government,” the sheriff declared. “I just wanted to take a stand with these men and these women who feel the same way I do. Lawlessness? That is unacceptable in this country. Lawlessness? That is unacceptable in Clay County. And if you threaten to come to Clay County and you think for one second that we will bend our backs for you, you’re sadly mistaken.”

Daniels also said he would use the assistance of lawful gun owners to protect the county if necessary.

“If we can’t handle you, I’ll exercise the power and authority as the sheriff, and I’ll make special deputies of every lawful gun owner in this county and I’ll deputize them for this one purpose to stand in the gap between lawlessness and civility. That’s what we’re sworn to do. That’s what we’re going to do. You’ve been warned,” he said.

According to WCJB 2020, Daniels is the first black sheriff of Clay County. In the video, he also voices strong opposition to the Black Lives Matter organization. He is facing six opponents in the upcoming election.