As protests continue across the country, Trump has advocated for the use of violence against those participating (and then proceeded to pat himself on the back), and it's a sentiment that's been echoed by a sheriff based in Central Florida.
Sheriff Grady Judd participated in a conference on Monday alongside other law enforcement and religious figures, where he warned any protestors or rioters in Polk County that the residents are equipped with guns, as though to scare them off. This was apparently in response to social media posts insinuating that riots and looting would affect residential neighborhoods.
"The people of Polk County like guns, they have guns, I encourage them to own guns, and they’re going to be inside their homes tonight with their guns loaded," Judd said, as reported by WFLA 8. "And if you try to break into their homes tonight and try to steal, to set fires, I’m highly recommending they blow you back out of the house with their guns."
Judd, however, also supported the arrest of Derek Chauvin in the murder of George Floyd, stating: "The death of George in Minneapolis at the hands of that police officer was outrageous. Had that police officer done here what he did there, he would have been locked up in the county jail by sundown."
Polk County imposed a curfew from 8 PM on Monday to 5 AM on Tuesday.
