On Monday, the notoriously thin-skinned Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony appeared to blame the Los Angeles riots on President Donald Trump. In a lengthy Facebook post, Tony wrote, “Before the first act of violence or vandalism, there was a political decision that ignited a wave of public frustration.” According to the Sheriff, “this is not a time for blame, but for leadership rooted in compassion, transparency, and unity.” On Thursday, Broward’s law enforcement leader blamed the media for future riots in Broward.
In a social media video, Sheriff Tony blasted six media outlets for daring to ask him about his recent remarks regarding enforcement of immigration laws.
As REDBROWARD reported on Monday, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier sent a stern message to Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony—enforce immigration laws or get removed from office. This warning came after Tony’s comments last week at a Broward County Commission workshop. Tony declared enforcement of immigration laws was not a priority of the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO).
Uthmeier reminded Tony how Florida law requires the sheriff to “use best efforts to support the enforcement of federal immigration laws.” Uthmeier said “best efforts” means Tony must support United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
In a letter to Uthmeier and Governor Ron DeSantis, Tony quickly backed down from his anti-ICE rhetoric.
Apparently, Tony did not like questions from the local media about his back tracking.
An angry Tony blasted the media for attending a law enforcement seminar in Lauderhill. Tony said the seminar was not related to immigration. He said the media asked “what’s my position on ICE reform?”
“I’m ending this game.” Tony said. “The media is part of the problem here in this County.”
The sheriff said the media will “press buttons” and “create feuds.”
“The media doesn’t do a goddamn thing for public safety in this county,” Tony said.
Then, Tony inflamed the issue even more. He said, “the end result will be a riot taking place in Broward County—burning like [Los Angeles].”
Is this is leadership Broward deserves from its Sheriff?
To quote Sheriff Tony, this is “political nonsense.”
