Hate Groups, Bomb Threats, Arrests: It’s Too Soon For Florida To Let Down Its Guard About Election-Related Violence

Press release from the Florida Phoenix:

By Michael Moline

January 21, 2021

The Florida Capitol had been quiet over the weekend amid tight security at the complex leading to Joe Biden’s inauguration as president, following an FBI warning of potential violent protests by supporters of Donald Trump.

But the day after the Biden inauguration, before 3 a.m. Thursday, Florida’s Capitol Police were notified of a bomb threat. A search with bomb-sniffing dogs failed to uncover ant devices, but the incident raises concerns that the state needs to remain on high alert.

Just Wednesday, federal authorities had arrested another Florida man — the seventh thus far — on charges that he participated in the U.S. Capitol riot on Jan. 6, when at least five people died.

Jesus Rivera, of Pensacola, was taken into custody at his home Wednesday morning, according to a written statement released by press aides to U.S. Attorney Lawrence Keefe in the Northern District of Florida in Tallahassee.

And last week, federal authorities arrested a self-described anarchist on charges related to his alleged attempt to recruit the “like-minded” to violently disrupt the expected gathering by supporters of President Trump at the Florida Capitol through Inauguration Day.

The accused is Daniel Alan Baker, of Tallahassee, described in a 27-page criminal complaint as a former Army airborne infantryman who recently “has been posting messages and multimedia to his Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube accounts that have been increasingly ripe with extremist rhetoric.”

And overall, hate groups have been proliferating in Florida, particularly during the Trump administration.

Florida is home to dozens of Southern Poverty Law Center-designated “hate groups,” some with histories of violence and involvement in the assault on the U.S. Capitol.

The civil rights organization’s data show that hate groups have been proliferating in Florida during the Trump administration to the point that, as of 2019, they numbered 67 — second only to California, which was home to 88.

However, Florida ranks higher than California based on the number of hate groups compared to overall population.

As for the bomb threat Thursday morning, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement made the announcement via its Twitter feed.

“Out of an abundance of caution, Florida’s Capitol is closed to employees until 9 a.m. today [Jan. 21]. A bomb threat was made re: Florida Capitol overnight. Capitol Complex has been swept by LE [law enforcement] & explosive detecting K-9s. No explosive devices were found & nothing suspicious identified,” the message said.

The FDLE also provided written statement that included other details:

“Florida’s Capitol Complex has been swept by law enforcement and explosive detecting K-9’s. … Capitol Police were notified of a bomb threat before 3 a.m., and immediately began sweeping the Capitol and Capitol Complex. Tallahassee Police Department and the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force are investigating the threat.

The agency also asked that: “If You See Something, Say Something. Report suspicious activity by calling (850) 488-1790 or 1-800-FLA-SAFE. You can also download the See Something, Say Something App in the Apple App or Google Play stores.

“If necessary, additional information regarding the Capitol will be released through this Alert system and FDLE’s Twitter Account.”

This story was originally published by the Florida Phoenix. For more stories from the Florida Phoenix, visit FloridaPhoenix.com.