Request to take weapons away from ex-candidate
A former metropolis council candidate is dealing with gun prices after the Tampa Police Division filed for a danger safety order for Elvis Piggott following an incident at a group discussion board. FOX 13’s Kellie Cowan reviews.
TAMPA, Fla. – Former metropolis council candidate Elvis Piggott appeared in court docket on Friday after Tampa police filed a danger safety order in opposition to him — a authorized motion meant to briefly take away firearms from people deemed a menace to themselves or others.
The petition alleges Piggott could also be significantly mentally ailing or have recurring psychological well being points.
A decide confirmed on Friday morning that Piggott turned in his weapons.
“I’m not killing myself. I’m not a menace to myself,” Piggott mentioned in a greater than hour-long video responding to the petition’s claims. “I’ve carried my firearm for a really very long time.”
Piggott additionally known as the danger safety order an try to “silence” him and “political assassination” by Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. He says he plans to struggle again and is soliciting funds for a authorized battle with town.
“You’re not gonna strip my immediately since you wish to play political video games,” mentioned Piggott. “Effectively, Mayor, not solely are we going to struggle, however I would like you to know mayor that we’re additionally ready to vote.”
Castor shouldn’t be up for re-election.
The backstory:
The petition follows an incident at a Tampa Metropolis Council candidate discussion board final week, the place police say Piggott brandished a gun throughout a heated argument with a member of the family of a candidate that is nonetheless within the race.
In line with a police report, a safety guard working on the discussion board heard Piggott inform the person, “I’m gonna bury you.”
Piggot clarified to police that he mentioned, “In case you put your fingers on me, your momma will likely be burying you.”
After the confrontation, Piggott posted a number of Fb Stay movies, which he later deleted, acknowledging that he pulled his gun however claiming it was in self-defense for himself and his two-year-old son.
“I pull my firearm in self-defense,” Piggott mentioned throughout the video. “You can not put your fingers on nobody until you are planning to satisfy your maker.”
Witnesses, nonetheless, instructed investigators that nobody touched Piggott and that he seemed to be the aggressor.
Police say they completely investigated the incident earlier than charging Piggott with aggravated assault with a lethal weapon earlier this week.
What the Threat Safety Order Means
The chance safety order, generally known as a pink flag legislation, permits legislation enforcement to petition a decide to briefly limit an individual’s entry to firearms in the event that they pose a danger to themselves or the general public.
If granted, Piggott might be barred from possessing firearms for as much as one yr. For now, he has been ordered to give up his weapons whereas the court docket critiques the case.
What’s subsequent:
Friday’s listening to confirmed that Piggott has complied with the short-term order to give up his firearms.
A listening to scheduled subsequent week will decide whether or not the danger safety order will stay in impact whereas the legal case proceeds.
Piggott stays free on bond.
The Supply: Data on this story relies on court docket filings, Tampa Police Division reviews, and video statements posted by Elvis Piggott.
