Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood announces arrest in recent activity by hate group

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood spoke Tuesday about a rise in anti-Semitic messages.

It’s something he’s been speaking out against for months after messages and flyers were spread in places like Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach.

Officials said Volusia County isn’t the only place seeing this issue.

New FBI data shows anti-Semitic incidents are happening more and more across the country.

Watch: ‘This is pure, pure, pure evil:’ Sheriff Chitwood responds to recent wave of anti-Semitism

In 2021, law enforcement said 12,000 people were victims.

With 14% being targeted for their religion, like what has been seen in Central Florida.

Just a warning, some of what you see and hear in this story may be disturbing.

Watch: Sheriff: ‘Cowardly scumbags’ spread anti-Semitic flyers throughout Volusia County

After yet another wave of neo-Nazi, extremist demonstrations happened earlier this year.

Chitwood said he’s continuing to fight back.

“It’s reprehensible it’s disgusting but it’s under that free speech umbrella,” Chitwood said.

Watch: Group hands out anti-Semitic flyers at Lake Nona neighborhood, police say

Chitwood is set to announce an update at 1 p.m. today on the hate groups activity.

Channel 9 will be at Chitwood’s news conference and will provide updates on Eyewitness News.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2023 Cox Media Group