Florida Attorney Arrested for Allegedly Threatening ICE Agents While Trying to Buy Gun
Lisa White allegedly asked about firearms capable of penetrating body armor and threatened to target agents' heads.
A Florida attorney has been arrested in Mississippi on charges of threatening federal law enforcement officers. Lisa White was taken into custody in Long Beach after allegedly threatening to kill U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents while attempting to purchase a firearm.
According to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), White inquired about firearms that could penetrate ballistic vests. She then allegedly stated that if she could not breach body armor, she would target agents' heads. White also reportedly asked about purchasing pepper spray.
The incident began on September 23 when an agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives alerted HSI to an encounter at High Caliber Guns. White, who identified herself as an activist, told store employees she believed ICE agents were acting erratically and wanted a firearm for protection at a protest.
A store employee reportedly warned White that pointing a gun at law enforcement could lead to her death, to which she responded, "If I have to die, I have to die." The employee suggested she purchase pepper spray instead and advised her to visit a shooting range for training. White examined two pistols but ultimately left without making a purchase. Store employees subsequently notified authorities, initiating the investigation.
HSI Gulfport special agents responded to the scene, interviewed witnesses, and arrested White. She is facing a federal charge of influencing, impeding, or retaliating against a federal official by threat.
"The safety of our personnel is paramount, and HSI takes any threat against federal law enforcement officers with the utmost seriousness," said HSI Gulfport Assistant Special Agent in Charge Matthew Reidell. "We commend the vigilance of the citizens for recognizing these threats and notifying law enforcement immediately, which allowed us to intervene swiftly."
HSI stated that threats against federal law enforcement are not tolerated and that the agency will continue to investigate such incidents. The arrest occurs amid a reported surge in threats and attacks against ICE personnel. The agency cited significant increases in assaults, vehicle attacks, and death threats against ICE officers, though specific figures were not provided.
Both President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin have emphasized that violence against law enforcement will not be tolerated, warning that individuals who threaten or attack officers face arrest and prosecution.