Introduction to the New Online Portal
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the launch of a new online portal where people can report threats of political violence. This move comes less than two weeks after the fatal shooting of right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk at a college campus in Utah. Uthmeier emphasized the importance of reporting any chatter that may seem like a real threat, allowing authorities to investigate and potentially save lives.
The "Combat Violent Extremism" Portal
The portal, accessible at myfloridalegal.com/CVE, enables individuals to report videos, images, or text messages that reference "violent extremism." Uthmeier stressed that the portal is not intended to infringe upon free speech but rather to identify and address genuine threats of violence. He noted that while the First Amendment protects freedom of speech, it does not protect calls for violence.
Addressing Criticism and Concerns
Uthmeier dismissed criticism that the portal could be used as a tool to suppress free speech, stating that his office respects the First Amendment and will not engage in cancel culture or silencing individuals. However, he emphasized that there is a significant difference between protected speech and threats of violence. Florida’s Commissioner Anastasios Kamaoutsas also spoke about the importance of addressing violent extremism, citing an example of an elementary school teacher who was suspended after celebrating Kirk’s death on social media.
Examples of Political Violence
Uthmeier mentioned several instances of political violence, including attacks on Catholic churches and schools, the attempted assassination of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, and the killing of Charlie Kirk. However, he did not mention the June 2025 shooting deaths of Minnesota Democratic state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. The choice of which incidents to highlight has raised concerns about selective reporting and potential bias.
Reaction from Educators and Experts
Robert Cassanello, an associate professor of history at the University of Central Florida, expressed concerns that the portal could be used to intimidate professors and other faculty members. He pointed to recent incidents where faculty members were placed on administrative leave or fired due to their social media activity. Cassanello argued that the portal could interfere with the private lives of faculty and employees, potentially chilling free speech and academic freedom.
The Role of the Portal in Preventing Political Violence
Brad McVay, Florida’s statewide prosecutor, emphasized the importance of the portal in preventing future political violence. He stated that the portal will help the state Attorney General’s office work with local law enforcement to identify and address potential threats. McVay noted that the issue is a matter of life and death and will be treated as such.
Conclusion
The launch of the "Combat Violent Extremism" portal marks a significant effort by the Florida Attorney General’s office to address the growing concern of political violence. While the portal has raised concerns about free speech and potential bias, its proponents argue that it is a necessary tool to identify and prevent genuine threats of violence. As the portal becomes operational, it will be crucial to monitor its effectiveness and ensure that it is used in a way that respects the First Amendment while keeping communities safe.
FAQs
- What is the purpose of the "Combat Violent Extremism" portal?
The portal is designed to allow individuals to report threats of political violence, enabling authorities to investigate and potentially prevent violent incidents. - How can I access the portal?
The portal can be accessed at myfloridalegal.com/CVE. - What types of content can be reported on the portal?
Individuals can report videos, images, or text messages that reference "violent extremism." - Will the portal infringe upon my free speech rights?
The portal is intended to identify and address genuine threats of violence, not to suppress free speech. However, concerns about potential bias and selective reporting have been raised. - How will the portal be used to prevent political violence?
The portal will help the state Attorney General’s office work with local law enforcement to identify and address potential threats, with the goal of preventing future incidents of political violence.Originally Published: September 22, 2025 at 2:28 PM EDT
