Pro-Trump FL Firefighter Accused Of Harassing ‘No Kings’ Protesters

TAMPA BAY, FL — A Largo firefighter is on leave while under investigation for his actions at several “No Kings” across the Tampa Bay area according to multiple reports.

The protests against President Donald Trump and his administration coincided with a military parade in Washington, D.C., commemorating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary that fell on Trump’s 79th birthday. Thousands turned out for the rallies in Florida and across the United States.

Brandon Stoffel, a firefighter and EMT for Largo Fire Rescue and, allegedly, a pro-Trump supporter, was accused of harassment and hate speech after confronting protesters on Saturday in Tampa, St. Pete and Largo, reports said.

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Brittany Stanley and her wife, Deidra Navarro, said that Stoffel was part of a group yelling and threatening protesters in Largo.

"They were just, I mean, I couldn't even - just dropping all kinds of expletives, trying to shoulder check people," Navarro told ABC Action News.

Stoffel and his group were “really threatening,” she added. "I mean, I backed up because I didn't want anything to happen to me, because these guys, I could feel the anger coming off of them."

Stanley told WFLA that photos and videos of Stoffel at the protests have been shared on social media.

“You don’t have to believe us. You can believe multiple people who have multiple videos and multiple photos,” Stanley said. “They were saying racial slurs and homophobic things to us.”

The fire department confirmed that Stoffel is employed by the agency and is on administrative leave while officials investigate the accusations against him.

"We understand and take seriously the concerns raised by the community. The city is currently investigating the alleged conduct and use of discriminatory language. We are working to conduct a thorough review," a Largo spokesperson told Creative Loafing. "As a public service organization, the City of Largo is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, equity, and professionalism. This includes holding all team members accountable and ensuring their actions reflect our organizational values."

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