Florida attorney accused of threatening to shoot ICE agents while trying to buy gun
A Florida attorney was arrested after she threatened to shoot ICE agents in the head while trying to buy a gun, federal authorities said.
Lisa White, who lives in Mississippi, was arrested in Long Beach after allegedly threatening to "kill federal agents" while attempting to purchase a firearm and pepper spray, according to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement release.
Homeland Security Investigations identified White as a Florida attorney in a post announcing her arrest on X.
Authorities said White asked whether specific firearms could penetrate ballistic vests, then allegedly said she would target agentsâ heads if she could not breach their armor.
HSI Gulfport special agents responded, interviewed witnesses and located and arrested White, according to the release.
The investigation began Sept. 23 after an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives alerted HSI to the encounter at High Caliber Guns, according to a criminal complaint obtained by the Sun Herald.
White entered the store around 11:30 a.m. and told employees, "I need a gun," according to the complaint cited by the outlet.
She allegedly identified herself as an activist and protester and said she wanted a firearm for protection at a protest because she believed "ICE agents are becoming crazy and wild."
But White also told an employee she wanted to buy a gun to kill ICE agents, according to the complaint.
While discussing the weapons, White allegedly gestured toward her torso and asked whether the guns could penetrate an agentâs body armor. If they could not, she said she would need to "hit them in the head, shoulder, arm or leg," the complaint states, according to the Sun Herald.
A shop employee reportedly warned White that pointing a gun at law enforcement would likely get her killed.
"If I have to die, I have to die," White responded, according to the complaint.
The employee then suggested White buy pepper spray instead of a gun and directed her to a shooting range for training, the complaint states.
White looked at two pistols but left empty-handed after the shop declined to complete the sale and told her she could return in two to three days, the newspaper reported. Store employees then alerted authorities, prompting the investigation.
"The safety of our personnel is paramount, and HSI takes any threat against federal law enforcement officers with the utmost seriousness," HSI Gulfport Assistant Special Agent in Charge Matthew Reidell said.
"We commend the vigilance of the citizens for recognizing these threats and notifying law enforcement immediately, which allowed us to intervene swiftly."
White remained in custody as agents prepared a federal charge of influencing, impeding or retaliating against a federal official by threat, ICE said.
"Threats against federal law enforcement will NOT be tolerated," HSI wrote on X. "HSI will continue to investigate threats against the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect our homeland."
The arrest comes as ICE reports a sharp increase in threats and attacks against its personnel.
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In its release, the agency cited an increase of more than 1,600% in assaults, 3,300% in vehicle attacks and 8,000% in death threats against ICE officers. It did not provide the underlying totals or comparison period.
ICE said President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin have made clear that violence against law enforcement will not be tolerated, warning that people who threaten or attack officers face arrest and prosecution.
Fox News Digital reached out to White for comment.