By Mark Price
Miami Herald
BONIFAY, Fla. — A man seen walking West Florida roads in body armor and carrying an AR-15 says he is a “Second Amendment auditor,” according to investigators in the Panhandle.
The man, who is accompanied by a cameraman, was first reported near the Holmes County Jail in Bonifay, the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office said in an Oct. 7 news release.
The Second Amendment of the Constitution protects the right of U.S. citizens to keep and bear arms.
“Deputies are on scene monitoring their activity. The individuals are acting as Second Amendment auditors, whose intent appears to be to record law enforcement and provoke a response,” the sheriff’s office said.
“Deputies are maintaining a professional presence and ensuring that all actions remain lawful and that public safety is maintained. At this time, there is no active threat to the community.”
The identities of the two men were not released.
In an update, the sheriff’s office noted the men had become aware they were being watched and filed a grievance. However, the sheriff’s office has refused to back off, noting its commitment to protecting citizens’ rights includes public safety.
“The ‘gunslingers’ didn’t get the response they wanted and are now calling to complain that a deputy is harassing them because they’re being followed,” the sheriff’s office said.
“Let’s make something clear — if you’re walking around in body armor and carrying an AR-15, our deputies are going to do what they have to do to keep our citizens safe. Public safety comes first. Always.”
Among the entities sharing the department’s alert are police departments in Bonifay and Graceville , and the Holmes District School Board
Bonifay is about a 95-mile drive northwest from Tallahassee.
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