At a tense press conference in Polk County, Florida, Sheriff Grady Judd stunned journalists by vowing to “shoot you like a dog” if any protester crossed a line, sparking outrage over his language and tactics Tampa Bay Times. The fiery remarks came after local demonstrations against racial injustice drew hundreds to downtown Bartow.
“I’ve got enough jail cells, I’ve got enough bullets, and if you don’t disperse, I’ll use ’em,” Judd declared, prompting gasps in the room and immediate backlash on social media Orlando Sentinel. Civil rights advocates argue such statements violate constitutional protections for free speech and peaceful assembly.
@ACLUFlorida “Sheriff Judd’s threats of lethal force against protesters cross a line—and demand federal investigation.” View on X
During the same conference, Judd brandished a photo of a seized AR-15, warning protesters he had “the firepower to back up my words.” He insisted that anyone “defacing property” would face “bullet, bar, or bulldozer”—a phrase civil liberties experts call “an explicit endorsement of extrajudicial violence.”
@TheGuardianUS “Florida sheriff’s ‘bullets or bulldozer’ vow draws comparisons to authoritarian tactics.” via X
Protesters in Bartow have largely remained peaceful, focusing on memorials for victims of police violence. Organizer Aisha Cole described Judd’s threats as “a provocation designed to intimidate voices demanding justice,” urging the state attorney to review his comments for potential civil rights violations.
National media coverage highlighted that Judd has a history of controversial statements, but this moment has reignited scrutiny. Last year he faced complaints after telling a newspaper he’d “put down” demonstrators akin to “stray animals” Miami Herald.
@NPRPolitics “Such rhetoric from a law enforcement official risks escalating tensions and undermining community trust.” View on X
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, previously praised by Judd, distanced himself, stating “we enforce the law with respect for rights, not threats of lethal violence” at a separate briefing Politico. DeSantis called for a review of the sheriff’s office use-of-force policies and training.
Legal scholars warn that Judd’s comments could be weaponized in lawsuits. Professor Maria Delgado of the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law explained, “Threats of deadly force absent imminent danger violate the First and Fourth Amendments,” potentially exposing the county to federal civil-rights claims.
@LegalEagle “A sheriff openly promising violence against peaceful protesters sets a dangerous legal precedent.” via X
Community leaders organized a vigil just hours after the press conference. Reverend Marcus Tallis led dozens in prayer, urging unity. “We stand firm on our right to protest without fear of being shot,” he told the crowd, as local artists painted murals reading “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot.”
Despite Judd’s threats, turnout at subsequent demonstrations increased, with solidarity actions in Orlando and Miami echoing Bartow’s calls for accountability. Activist group Dream Defenders launched a petition demanding state oversight of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, gathering over 50,000 signatures in a day Change.org.
@DreamDefenders “No sheriff is above the law—demand independent oversight now!” View on X
Civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump called for a Department of Justice inquiry, arguing “pattern and practice” of threats could constitute hate-crime motivations if protesters targeted specific racial groups. Crump’s firm filed a Freedom of Information Act request for all recordings and communications related to Judd’s press conference.
Experts note that such high-profile threats can backfire. Dr. Elena Ramirez, a sociologist at Florida State University, observed, “State violence imagery often galvanizes movements rather than suppressing them,” citing historical parallels in civil rights protests.
As controversy mounts, the Polk County Commission scheduled an emergency meeting to discuss potential censure or disciplinary measures against Sheriff Judd. Meanwhile, the Justice Department has not confirmed an investigation but is monitoring the situation closely.
