#Florida sheriff: I’ll deputize gun owners if violent protests erupt

A sheriff in Florida said he’s ready to deputize every gun owner in his county if violent protests erupt.

Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels issued the warning in a three-minute video Wednesday, saying he was ready to enlist the help of civilians if there are any demonstrations his deputies can’t handle alone.

“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 the county,” Daniels said.

“I’ll deputize them to this one purpose: to stand in the gap between lawlessness and civility.”

The sheriff didn’t indicate that any protests are actually planned in his suburban Jacksonville county.

Sporting a white cowboy hat as he stood in front of 18 deputies, Daniels said he would protect peaceful protests — but added that if anyone starts “tearing up Clay County, that is not going to be acceptable.”

“The second you step out from up under the protection of the Constitution,” he continued.

“We’ll be waiting on you and give you everything you want: all the publicity, all the pain, all the glamour and glory for all that five minutes will give you.”

With Post wires