Florida Sen. Tina Polsky says she was told to “f--- off and die” in a voicemail left at her office and that it was not the only death threat she’s gotten.
She says the threats started after she asked state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo to leave her office after Ladapo refused to wear a mask.
“Here I am just trying to protect myself by asking people who visit my office to wear a mask, and I have gotten such vile messages on all social media,” Polsky said Friday on The Florida Roundup.
Polsky, a Democrat who represents parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties, was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer last month.
Florida Politics reported that a positive COVID test could delay her treatment.
I am so saddened that there are people who get off on threatening others. And I’m so saddened that our leaders encourage and exemplify this behavior. Exhibit 1: @GovRonDeSantis at a rally in WPB yesterday. Would love to hear from my colleagues who stood behind him. https://t.co/DGRaXdHcan
— State Senator Tina Polsky (@TinaPolsky) November 4, 2021
She said the ongoing threats resemble much of what she’s seen with Florida school board members in relation to ongoing debates on mask mandates at public schools.
“Masks are the only tool that we have at our disposal to help protect these vulnerable children, and people went nuts,” said Polsky.
“People are just so up in arms, and it's really about masks.”
She also said one of her colleagues is being sued for harassing a school board member.
“It has gotten so out of control, and it's truly embarrassing,” said Polsky.
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