All the earmarks of a MAGA Militia - A Clear and Present Danger

The clandestine genesis of the initiative, the lack of viable justification for it, the micro-targeted advertising of it on gun and patriot social media platforms; the requirement that Special Provisional Deputy Sheriff applicants have skill in the use of firearms and a pistol license and the ability to function effectively under various stressful and confrontational circumstances; the granting of preference to former law enforcement and military, and the County Executive’s description of applicants as “patriots;” his clearly comfortable relationship with Donald Trump, and Donald Trump’s assertion that he is going to make a “heavy play for New York” --all combine to reveal considerable opportunity for MAGA mischief.

Bruce Blakeman has provided no legitimate basis for such an extraordinary measure.  Without any public process, it seemingly spawned from the ether. No risk assessment; no quantifiable, verifiable analysis; and no rational explanation for its urgency other than its unspoken proximity to the November election.

The public is entitled to unambiguous assurance that applicants will be comprehensively screened for membership in or affiliation with extremist groups and that no applicants who are members or affiliates of any designated or known extremist group, including those identified in this review, or any related groups, will be eligible or appointed to serve as Nassau County Special Provisional Deputy Sheriffs.