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Dunedin, FL - A Florida man has been charged with a felony after allegedly posting violent threats targeting demonstrators ahead of nationwide protests.
According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, 64-year-old Eloy Garcia of Dunedin was taken into custody after allegedly posting threatening messages on Facebook just one day before coordinated “No Kings” protests across the country.
The demonstrations, including those in Florida, were organized to criticize immigration policies and perceived authoritarian behavior by President Donald Trump’s administration.
An arrest affidavit states that Garcia allegedly wrote about driving around looking for protestors with the intent to run them over.
He also reportedly claimed to carry bricks and Molotov cocktails, implying he would plant them on demonstrators to frame them as violent.
Law enforcement was alerted to Garcia’s social media post by a concerned citizen who feared he might act on his words.
During questioning, investigators say Garcia admitted to making the post, which authorities interpreted as a serious threat.
Garcia was charged with making written threats to conduct a mass shooting or act of terrorism, a second-degree felony under Florida law.
He is being held without bond.
The protests, which unfolded peacefully in cities like Tampa and Jacksonville, drew thousands calling for changes to immigration enforcement.
Despite tensions, no arrests were reported in those areas.
State officials including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier recently reinforced the right to self-defense during protest encounters.
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey warned that any attacks against deputies would be met with lethal force.
Garcia's arrest adds to growing scrutiny around online threats tied to political unrest.