St. Johns County deputy’s social media comment for 'open season on the homeless' sparks internal inquiry

A St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office deputy could face discipline after he posted a comment underneath an Instagram video that shows what appears to be an unhoused man throwing a rock at a vehicle. The comment read: “We need like a 3 day open season on the homeless. No bag limit.”   The comment sparked an internal inquiry that the Sheriff's Office said must balance the possibility of disciplinary action against the deputy's First Amendment rights.   Retired First Amendment attorney explains the dilemma St. Johns County deputy’s social media comment for 'open season on the homeless' sparks internal inquiry A St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office deputy could face discipline after he posted a comment underneath an Instagram video that shows what appears to be an unhoused man throwing a rock at a vehicle. The comment read: “We need like a 3 day open season on the homeless. No bag limit.”   The comment sparked an internal inquiry that the Sheriff's Office said must balance the possibility of disciplinary action against the deputy's First Amendment rights.   Retired First Amendment attorney explains the dilemma