Wayne Ivey clapped back at Lizzo’s criticism of his protest warning, insisting his “graveyard dead” threat was aimed only at violent agitators, not peaceful demonstrators.
Lizzo was shocked when Sheriff Wayne Ivey didn’t hold back when he warned violent protesters in Brevard County they’d be met with lethal force during the “No Kings” demonstrations on Saturday (June 14), declaring, “We will kill you graveyard dead. We’re not going to play.”
The Brevard County sheriff’s blunt warning was aimed at anyone who might attack deputies or pose a threat to public safety during the nationwide protests. But Lizzo didn’t take it that way.
“I just watched a video of law enforcement threatening to kill anyone who exercises their First Amendment right to protest, and I’ve never seen something more unconstitutional in my life,” Lizzo said in a video posted to social media. “It’s actually appalling.”
Sheriff Ivey fired back at the Grammy Award-winning singer in a statement to Fox News Digital, dismissing her criticism and questioning her understanding of his remarks.
“Lizzo who?” Ivey said. “Until earlier tonight, I had never heard of her. So what she thinks matters exactly zero to me. She clearly didn’t listen to what was actually said during the press conference, as is evidenced by how inaccurate her quote is.”
Ivey clarified that his warning was never directed at peaceful demonstrators and insisted he supports lawful protest.
“At no time were people peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights [ever] threatened, as what was actually said was that peaceful protests are part of our democracy, and we will provide a safe environment for peaceful protest to take place,” he said. “My warnings were directed at violent protesters whose actions would put citizens and law enforcement officers’ lives at risk.”
Despite the tension, the protests in Brevard County remained peaceful. No arrests were made locally and only three arrests occurred across Central Florida, all in Ocala.
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