A Florida attorney who lives in Mississippi was arrested after allegedly threatening to kill Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents while attempting to purchase a firearm. Authorities said Lisa C. White asked whether certain guns could pierce ballistic vests and discussed targeting agents if their body armor could not be penetrated. The encounter occurred at a gun store in Long Beach, Mississippi, on September 23, 2026. White remained in custody as federal authorities prepared a charge related to threatening a federal official.
The investigation began after an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives alerted Homeland Security Investigations to the store encounter. Employees declined to complete the sale and notified law enforcement, allowing investigators to locate and arrest White.
| 1) | Alleged threats during a gun-store visit |
|---|---|
| 2) | Questions about firearms and body armor |
| 3) | Employees alert federal authorities |
| 4) | Arrest and potential federal charge |
| 5) | Authorities cite broader threats against ICE |
Alleged threats during a gun-store visit
According to a criminal complaint, White entered High Caliber Guns at about 11:30 a.m. and told employees she needed a gun. She allegedly described herself as an activist and protester and said she wanted protection at a protest because she believed ICE agents were becoming dangerous. Authorities said she also told an employee that she wanted to buy a gun to kill ICE agents.
White reportedly examined two pistols but left without purchasing a firearm. The store declined to complete the transaction and told her she could return in two or three days. The allegations have not been resolved in court.
Questions about firearms and body armor
While discussing possible weapons, White allegedly gestured toward her torso and asked whether particular firearms could penetrate an agent’s ballistic vest. The complaint states that she allegedly said she would target an agent’s head, shoulder, arm or leg if the firearm could not defeat the body armor.
An employee reportedly warned White that pointing a gun at law enforcement would likely result in her being killed. She allegedly replied, “If I have to die, I have to die.” The employee then suggested pepper spray as an alternative and directed her to a shooting range for training, according to the complaint.
Employees alert federal authorities
Store employees contacted authorities after White left without a gun. The initial alert was made after an ATF agent learned of the encounter, and HSI Gulfport special agents then interviewed witnesses and worked to identify White.
Investigators located White in Long Beach, Mississippi, where she was arrested. The response followed the store’s decision to stop the sale and report the alleged statements, rather than allowing the transaction to proceed.
“The safety of our personnel is paramount, and HSI takes any threat against federal law enforcement officers with the utmost seriousness,” said Matthew Reidell, HSI Gulfport’s assistant special agent in charge.
Arrest and potential federal charge
White was identified by authorities as a Florida attorney living in Mississippi. She was arrested in connection with the alleged threats, and ICE said she remained in custody while agents prepared a federal charge of influencing, impeding or retaliating against a federal official by threat.
That allegation concerns conduct directed at federal personnel. A charge or arrest is not a finding of guilt, and any criminal case would proceed through the federal court system. Authorities said the investigation was continuing.
Authorities cite broader threats against ICE
The arrest came as ICE reported increases in assaults, vehicle attacks and death threats against its personnel. The agency cited increases of more than 1,600% in assaults, 3,300% in vehicle attacks and 8,000% in death threats, but did not provide the underlying totals or the comparison period.
HSI said threats against federal law enforcement would not be tolerated and urged people who recognize potential threats to notify authorities. The agency also said federal officials, including President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, had emphasized that violence against law enforcement could lead to arrest and prosecution.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | White allegedly threatened ICE agents while trying to buy a gun. |
| 2 | She allegedly asked about penetrating ballistic vests. |
| 3 | Employees stopped the sale and notified authorities. |
| 4 | Federal authorities arrested White in Long Beach, Mississippi. |
Summary
The allegations against White center on statements made during an attempted firearm purchase at a Mississippi gun store. Employees declined the sale and promptly contacted authorities, leading to an HSI investigation and arrest. White faces a potential federal threat-related charge, while the reported increases in threats against ICE personnel remain unsupported by publicly provided underlying totals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested?
Lisa C. White, identified by authorities as a Florida attorney who lives in Mississippi, was arrested in Long Beach, Mississippi.
What is White accused of doing?
She is accused of threatening to kill ICE agents while attempting to purchase a firearm and asking whether guns could penetrate ballistic vests.
Did White buy a gun?
No. The store declined to complete the sale, and White reportedly left after viewing two pistols. Employees then notified authorities.
