Individual Detained for Displaying Neo-Nazi Banner Close to Orlando
A man was arrested in Brevard County this week, accused of hanging swastikas and other antisemitic banners above Interstate 4 near Orlando, in what the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) deemed a violation of a recently enacted state law. Jason Brown, 48, was taken into custody on Tuesday by FDLE officers and Florida Highway Patrol troopers at his residence in Cape Canaveral. The arrest was made following an out-of-county search warrant, executed around 6:35 p.m., as reported by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
The incident that led to Brown’s arrest took place on June 10, when at least four individuals, including Brown, hung the offensive signs over the Daryl Carter Parkway Bridge. According to an FDLE news release, three outstanding warrants have been issued for the other participants, all of whom are believed to reside out of state.
The legislation that Brown allegedly violated, known as HB 269 “Public Nuisances,” was signed into law in April by Governor Ron DeSantis during his visit to Israel. The law criminalizes the display or projection of images onto buildings, structures, or property without permission within the state of Florida.
Executive Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Dave Kerner, released a statement in response to the arrest, emphasizing the state’s commitment to maintaining law and order. Kerner stated, “Florida is a law-and-order state. Today’s arrest demonstrates Florida’s commitment to protecting residents from attention-seeking extremists.”
According to the FDLE news release, Brown will face charges of criminal mischief for his alleged involvement in the June 10 incident. Notably, this is not the first time Brown has faced legal consequences related to antisemitic activities. Earlier this year, he was accused of stealing and destroying a Jewish student’s cellphone during an antisemetic demonstration in Orange County. However, charges were never formally filed in that case, and it has since been closed, according to court records.
The arrest of Jason Brown reflects Florida’s unwavering dedication to upholding the law and safeguarding residents from the actions of extremists seeking to draw attention through hateful acts. As the legal process unfolds, the state remains committed to maintaining public order and denouncing any form of hate speech or discrimination.
