Brevard County's sheriff is urging residents to arm themselves to prepare for and defend themselves from an attack.
- Brevard County Sheriff encourages citizen to arm themselves
- Sheriff Wayne Ivey talks terror in new 5-minute video
- He's been outspoken about terrorism and need to be prepared
"No matter who you are or what your position is on guns, there's no denying the fact that the only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun or a knife is an armed and well-prepared citizen or law enforcement officer," Sheriff Wayne Ivey says in a new, 5-minute video posted on the Sheriff's Office Facebook page.
As he's done in the past, Ivey doesn't mince words about terrorism and ongoing violence in the U.S. and around the world.
"Let me be perfectly clear: Doing nothing, or just hoping it won't happen to you, is not going to save your life," Ivey says.
The sheriff mentions recent attacks such as London, and Pulse, saying the U.S., Central Florida and Brevard County are not immune.
"I am firmly convinced, as Americans, we cannot sit back and pray the fight isn't brought to us," he says.
"We can't react; we have to respond," Ivey told News 13.
Ivey said terrorists know that people have been coached to run and hide and wait for help.
"We went away from 'run, hide, fight.' We teach the four A's of survival," Ivey said: Arm yourself, attack, awareness, avoidance.
The bottom line, according to the sheriff: Whatever weapon you choose, gun, knife, chair — be ready to act.
"Be prepared; understand that this could happen at any minute," he tells us.
"If you have a concealed carry permit, then carry your gun with you at all times possible."
As of Friday afternoon, Ivey's video had more than 125,000 views.