Police Arrest RNC Protester With 'Full-Size' Machete Strapped to His Leg

Florida police say they have arrested a Republican National Convention protester with a "full-size" machete strapped to his leg, according to Bay News 9.

The alleged protester, 31-year-old Jason T. Wilson of Tallahassee, apparently refused to stop when asked to by officers as he walked into the official RNC event zone.

When authorities caught up to him, he allegedly said he "did not have" to stop and was allowed to carry "whatever he wanted."

When officers tried to physically stop him, pointing out that there are certain prohibited items not allowed in the event zone, Wilson allegedly began "resisting arrest" and was physically restrained.

The event follows a slightly more disturbing string of arrests last week, when assumed protesters were caught with a BB gun, a large machete, a pocket knife, tin snips, and a pry tool, according to Bay News 9.

They also had what is being described as "anti-government t-shirts," bandanas, black gloves, and putty used for securing masks.

One of the men, 19-year-old Trevor Swanson, is already prohibited from having weapons because of a domestic violence injunction.

Anticipating large numbers of protesters and delinquents, Tampa Bay police reportedly cleared out an entire jail for the Republican National Convention.

“We don’t know what to expect," Colonel Jim Previtera told WFTS-TV, adding:  "So we are prepared with a staff that can handle the most serious cases.”

(H/T: Weasel Zippers)

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