Wayne Ivey warns of lethal force against violent protesters

In the United States, over the past week, Lizzo, a well-known musician, criticized Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey for comments he made regarding protests. Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, expressed her outrage via an Instagram video, claiming that he threatened to kill individuals exercising their First Amendment rights. Ivey's remarks received widespread attention, where he indicated that violence from protesters would lead to severe consequences. He stated that if anyone threw a brick, used a firebomb, or pointed a gun at officers, they would be dealt with decisively, including potentially lethal measures. Sheriff Ivey clarified his intentions, asserting that his comments were aimed solely at those engaging in violent conduct. He emphasized that people participating in peaceful protests have never faced threats from law enforcement. Ivey argued that peaceful protests are an integral part of democracy, and he and his department aim to foster safety during such demonstrations. Furthermore, he dismissed Lizzo’s views as irrelevant, proclaiming he had no prior knowledge of her and that her opinions matter