‘AR-15 practice time’: Florida man accused of threatening ‘No King’ protesters on Facebook

A 69-year-old Florida man has been arrested for allegedly posting threatening comments on Facebook about participants in the “No Kings” protests.Joseph McClain was taken into custody following a tip about a social media post referring to protesters on the Matlacha Pass Bridge as “AR-15 practice time,” according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.Deputies said they received an anonymous report showing a Facebook account named “Joe McClain Sr.” Comment on the post discussing the demo.Authorities said the remarks were linked to a “No King” protest on the Matlacha Pass Bridge, where more than 150 people gathered. “It’s so hot, it’s stressful, but it’s great,” said Mary Lewis Sheehan, a seasonal resident and organizer of the Matlacha protest. Demonstrators held signs and chanted slogans during the event, she added.Police were dispatched to McClain’s Cape Coral home and spoke with him and his girlfriend. Deputies located the home near Southwest 6th Avenue and Southwest 42nd Lane. During the visit, his girlfriend told police she was unaware of the post and did not believe McClain posed a danger. She also confirmed he was in possession of three firearms, which were later turned over to authorities.Investigators concluded the message was intended for others to see and could be interpreted as a real threat. McClain was arrested and charged with intimidation and making written or electronic threats to kill or cause bodily harm.Sheehan said she was shocked when she learned of the comment. “When I first heard the news, I was scared at first, but thankfully I heard about it a few days later and I wasn’t lying in a coffin,” she said, adding, “We have to stay civil and we have to keep the conversation open.”Legal experts say the case raises questions about limits on free speech. “You have the right to free speech, but you can’t cross that threshold and actually threaten someone with harm,” attorney Michael Rahab said. He added, “Referring to an AR-15. It doesn’t say it’s a specific type of firearm that can be converted to an automatic weapon. And you’re talking about a large group of people, so that language is designed to instill fear.”McClain was arrested and taken to the Lee County Jail before being released on bail Sunday.