One day before police confronted a Miami Beach resident about her Facebook comment criticizing Mayor Steven Meiner, the mayor reported the social media post to the city’s police chief, newly released emails show.
Why it matters: The Jan. 12 incident raised First Amendment concerns — and questions about Meiner’s role in prompting the police response.
- The resident, former political candidate Raquel Pacheco, said she felt targeted by Meiner for her prior criticisms of his leadership.
Catch up quick: Pacheco’s Jan. 7 Facebook comment said in part that Meiner, who is Jewish and a supporter of Israel, “consistently calls for the death of all Palestinians.”
- She has said her comment referred to his support of Israel in the Gaza war.
- The Miami Beach Police Department has said it sent two detectives to Pacheco’s home “to ensure there was no immediate threat” to Meiner or the community.
The……