Overview
- Deputies and Stuart police detained a man Friday night along the Stuart Christmas Parade route after he appeared to follow Congressman Brian Mast while dressed in layered clothing with a hat pulled low.
- Officials found a loaded Glock 9mm with a round chambered and a dagger on the man, who was also wearing a rifle-rated ballistic vest under his clothes.
- He was taken to the sheriff’s office and interviewed by Martin County deputies, Stuart Police and the FBI, and he was released when investigators found no basis for criminal charges.
- Sheriff John Budensiek said the man’s conduct raised concerns and that he appeared to be under the influence, though he was not tested because he was not under arrest.
- The sheriff described multilayer security at the event, said detectives are pursuing a risk protection order to restrict the man’s access to firearms, and noted the gun and vest were retained during the review.