Local law enforcement has been asked to send backup officers this week to an event featuring White Supremacist Richard Spencer at the University Florida.
The highly controversial Spencer will be speaking Thursday at the Gainesville campus. Gov. Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency ahead of the event.
A “Unite the Right” rally in August in Charlottesville, Va. saw the death of a counterprotester when a speeding car slammed into the crowd. There are fears about what violence Spencer’s UF appearance might inspire.
Area law enforcement has been asked to provide officers to support security at the UF event.
Lady Lake commissioners struggled with the request Monday night.
“They are expecting large-scale demonstrations,” Police Chief Chris McKinstry told commissioners.
His department has been asked to send officers to serve in a support role. The “front line” security will be handled by Gainesville, Alachua County and university forces, McKinstry indicated.
He said all area law enforcement has been asked to provide “mutual aid.”
But commissioners were hesitant to send officers to the Spencer event.
“This is scary, to put our officers in this type of a position,” said Commissioner Ruth Kussard, a Villages resident.
Commissioner Tony Holden offered another idea.
“It would be a good exercise for the National Guard,” he said.
Mayor Jim Richards said it wasn’t clear if Lady Lake would be reimbursed for the expense of sending officers to support security efforts at UF. The UF offer include “per diem” reimbursement for meals and lodging, but did not guarantee reimbursement for the officers’ time.
The police chief said sending the officers would support the concept of mutual aid at a time of need.
“If it was the flipside and we needed help, we’d want them to come,” the chief said.
McKinstry added the two officers who would be going to UF had volunteered.
The commission ultimately agreed to allow officers to go to Thursday’s event.
The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office had been asked to send deputies to UF, but declined due to manpower issues. The Wildwood Police Department also will not be sending officers due to staffing concerns.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is reportedly sending 10 deputies to UF. Lady Lake officers are planning to caravan with them to Gainesville.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office confirmed it will be sending deputies to support security at the event.
