Ben Braver, 24, is a Democratic candidate for the Florida House in District 65, which covers south and west Tampa.
The Event at the Vance Rally
During a campaign rally held by Vice President JD Vance in Lakeland, Florida, Braver began shouting and heckling Vance during his speech. Vance addressed the disruption from the stage, calling the protester a “Democrat plant” as attendees chanted “USA”.
Removal and Arrest
As event security and Lakeland law enforcement officers moved in to escort Braver out of the venue, he reportedly resisted officers’ instructions. Video footage from the event showed officers taking Braver down to the ground to restrain him, putting him in handcuffs, and taking him into custody. LPD arrested Ben Braver of Tampa and charged him with trespassing and resisting arrest without violence, both first-degree misdemeanors. Braver is out on $2000 bond.
Charge #1
Statute:
810.08.2B (1 cnts) Trespass Occupied Structure Conveyance
Charge Description:
Trespass Occupied Structure Convey
Arrest Agency:
Lakeland Police Department
Bond Type:
Cash
Bond Amount:
1000.00
Bond/Purge Number:
Amount Paid:
1000.00
Disposition:
Bail
Charge #2
Statute:
843.02 (1 cnts) Resist Officer without Violence
Charge Description:
Resist Officer without Violence
Arrest Agency:
Lakeland Police Department
Bond Type:
Cash
Bond Amount:
1000.00
Bond/Purge Number:
Amount Paid:
1000.00
Disposition:
Bail
I got a videos of him getting thrown out if yall want it.
YES
No thank you. Do not need him in ANY political office.
Here’s a a video posted on Twitter that clearly shows that Braver was *not* resisting arrest and that police officers threw him to the ground once they *thought* they were hidden behind a screen. https://x.com/DougWahl1/status/2106047775834030367?s=20