Palm Beach County's sheriff is going on the record about Florida's new anti-riot law.
"I know some people will say it's going to stop people from demonstrating because it says 3 or more. The operative word in here is not the number of people. The operative word is 'committing a crime.'"
When Ric Bradshaw was asked how his agency is enforcing the "Combatting Public Disorder" law, he replied this way:
"Exactly like we do with every law. If the violation is there and the probable cause exists to make an arrest, that's what we're going to do."
Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony has said that when his agency is evaluating whether something is covered by this law, they'll defer to higher-ups at BSO to ensure they are not charging someone with something that is already covered by another state statute.
Sheriff Bradshaw says the law, which faces several lawsuits from groups like the ACLU and the NAACP, was necessary because it increases penalties for those who commit battery on members of law enforcement.
It also defines what a riot is, something Bradshaw says is unfortunate to need.
"I think the average person who's got any intelligence at all can see the difference between a riot and a protest."
The groups that are suing claim the law unfairly targets black protestors, something that is not in the law's text.
The law, known as House Bill 1, took effect immediately upon getting the governor's signature last month.
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