Statement from Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez on a Democratic Socialists of America Activist Calling for Miami and Los Angeles to Be Bombed
A tweet circulating online from a Democratic Socialists of America activist that reads “Miami needs to be bombed” and jokes about killing Cubans and other diaspora communities is vile and deeply disturbing. This is not political speech. It is dangerous rhetoric that openly promotes violence against innocent people.
Miami is home to families who fled real violence and dictatorship. Many in our Cuban community lost everything to a brutal communist regime. They came to this country seeking freedom and safety. To now see someone openly suggesting that our city should be bombed and mocking the lives of people who live here is sick.
Threats and rhetoric that promote violence against an American city and its residents must be taken seriously. I am calling on the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office to review this tweet and investigate immediately to determine whether it violates any laws related to threats or incitement to violence.
Miami will not stay silent when our community is targeted. Hate and threats like this have no place in our country.
Dariel Fernandez
Tax Collector
Miami-Dade County
