Florida Attorney Accused of Threatening to Shoot ICE Agents While Trying to Buy Gun

Federal authorities say a Florida attorney was arrested after threatening to shoot ICE agents in the head while attempting to purchase a firearm.

Lisa White, a Mississippi resident, was arrested in Long Beach after allegedly threatening to “kill federal agents” during an attempt to buy a gun and pepper spray, according to a release from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Homeland Security Investigations identified White as a Florida attorney in an X post announcing her arrest.

Investigators said White asked whether certain firearms could pierce ballistic vests. She allegedly added that, if the weapons could not penetrate the armor, she would aim for agents’ heads.

HSI Gulfport special agents interviewed witnesses, investigated the allegations and located White, who was then taken into custody, the agency said.

The case began Sept. 23, when a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agent notified HSI about an encounter at High Caliber Guns, according to a criminal complaint obtained by the Sun Herald.

White entered the store at about 11:30 a.m. and told employees, “I need a gun,” the complaint said, according to the newspaper.

She allegedly described herself as an activist and protester, saying she wanted a firearm for protection at a demonstration because she believed “ICE agents are becoming crazy and wild.”

According to the complaint, however, White also told a store employee that she wanted the weapon to kill ICE agents.

During the conversation, White reportedly gestured toward her torso and asked whether the firearms could penetrate an agent’s body armor. If they could not, she allegedly said she would have to “hit them in the head, shoulder, arm or leg,” the complaint states, as cited by the Sun Herald.

A store employee warned White that aiming a gun at law enforcement would likely result in her being killed, according to the complaint.

“If I have to die, I have to die,” White allegedly replied.

The employee recommended pepper spray instead and encouraged White to visit a shooting range for training, the complaint said.

White examined two pistols but left without making a purchase after the store declined to complete the transaction. Employees told her she could return in two or three days, the newspaper reported. They then contacted authorities, launching 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 while agents prepared a federal charge alleging that she influenced, impeded or retaliated against a federal official through a 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.

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.

News Media reached out to White for comment.