Florida State Rep. Anthony Sabatini encourages residents to defend themselves from rioters

In response to riots scheduled in Florida and across the nation, State Rep. Anthony Sabatini, R-Howey-in-the-Hills, tweeted, “Attention potential ‘protesters’ coming near Lake County, FL. This is an AR-15 — this will be a very common sight upon illegal entry at any Lake County business — FYI!”

He posted a picture of an AR-15, which appears to belong to him.

He, like Polk County Sheriff, is calling on people to defend themselves– from intruders illegally trying to go into someone’s property or home.

In response, State Rep. Cindy Polo filed an ethics complaint on Monday, arguing that Sabatini was “openly calling for violence” and was potentially violating the State House’s rules.

In her complaint, directed to House Speaker Jose Oliva, R-Miami Lakes, Polo, D-Miramar, she said, “This kind of dangerous language and behavior should not be tolerated. It threatens the safety of U.S. citizens exercising their constitutionally protected rights of assembly and speech to highlight the everyday injustices the black community faces. Inciting violence is abhorrent, and those who encourage it should be held accountable for their irresponsible actions.”

On Friday, Sabatini tweeted that criminals looting and vandalizing should be arrested and locked up.

The Florida Democratic Party asked Twitter to “remove this account for violence,” which it didn’t do.

Sabatini tweeted again Monday, in response:

Earlier this year, the Florida Democratic Party called for Sabatini to resign.

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