News Summary
Zachary Degross, a 26-year-old man from Jacksonville, has been arrested for allegedly threatening to run over protesters on social media. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) confirmed the felony charges, classified as second-degree, after investigating reports from the public. Officials emphasize the seriousness of such threats and urge to report harmful online behavior. The incident highlights the legal consequences associated with threatening individuals amid ongoing national protests regarding immigration policies.
Jacksonville, Florida – A 26-year-old man from Jacksonville is facing felony charges after allegedly threatening to run over protesters on social media. Zachary Degross has been arrested by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) on charges related to sending written threats classified as second-degree felonies.
The JSO confirmed the arrest on Wednesday afternoon. The law enforcement agency became aware of the potential threat following tips that identified a user on a social media platform expressing intentions to run over individuals participating in demonstrations. Investigators from the JSO’s Intelligence Unit were able to pinpoint the user as Degross.
On Wednesday, police officials visited Degross’ residence to conduct an interview. During this interaction, detectives gathered sufficient evidence to support the charges against him. As of Wednesday at 5:15 p.m., online jail records indicated that Degross remained in custody at the Duval County jail.
JSO officials stressed that making threats of this nature is a serious matter, with felony implications regardless of whether or not the individual intends to act on those threats. The department urged members of the public to report any harmful threats encountered online to law enforcement authorities.
Degross allegedly took to the X social media platform to post a message indicating his desire to harm protesters who oppose immigration policies, specifically mentioning the possibility of “plowing through” demonstrators opposing the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies. Such threats come in a context where protests are occurring nationwide against the immigration policies implemented under President Trump.
While the protests in Jacksonville have been less widespread and smaller in scale compared to demonstrations in major cities like Los Angeles and New York City, the JSO remains vigilant. They are closely monitoring ongoing protests across the country, aiming to ensure public safety within the Jacksonville community.
This incident serves as a reminder of the legal consequences associated with making threats, especially in the charged atmosphere surrounding social and political demonstrations. As protests continue across the nation, the JSO’s commitment to public safety remains a top priority, ensuring that individuals can exercise their rights peacefully without fear of violent threats.
The ongoing situation reflects a growing tension surrounding immigration policies and the public’s response to them, highlighting the importance of lawful expression and the need for community safety measures. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office encourages individuals to remain informed and mindful of their online interactions, especially while current events unfold and provoke diverse opinions in the community.
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Additional Resources
- Florida Politics
- Wikipedia: Protests in the United States
- First Coast News
- Google Search: Jacksonville protest threats
- WOKV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Social Protest
- News4JAX
- Google News: Jacksonville threats against protesters
