News

Actions

Armed man with press pass detained in Gainesville prior to white nationalist Richard Spencer speech

Armed man detained prior to Spencer's speech
Armed man detained prior to Spencer's speech
Posted at 1:32 PM, Oct 19, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-19 14:29:49-04

A man with a press pass who was armed was detained prior a speech by white nationalist Richard Spencer in Gainesville, Thursday.

A law enforcement official said the man was being detained for having a firearm on campus.

The man, who did not give his name, said he has all the necessary permits and was hired by Fox News for armed security for station WFOX in Jacksonville.

 

 

'Florida State Statute 776 and 493 allow me to carry my firearm out in the course of my duties," he said.

As the man was escorted by an Alachua County Sheriff's Office Deputy he was asked if the incident was a misunderstanding. "Obviously a misunderstanding," he said.

The man said he works for SAI Investigations.