‘Law enforcement gone wild:’ Activist’s post about reported murder-suicide draws criticism

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville community activist’s post regarding two deputies killed in a reported murder-suicide in St. Augustine is drawing some criticism from the law enforcement community.

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Ben Frazier, founder of the Northside Coalition, shared a news article Saturday about the incident with the caption, ”Law enforcement gone wild!”

Two Hillsborough County deputies were killed, including Deputy Abigail Bieber, 30, and Detective Daniel Leyden, 31. Police said the two officers were in a romantic relationship.

“I mean it’s a disgusting post,” Randy Reaves, the president of the Jacksonville Fraternal Order of Police, said. “Anybody who sees that can see that [Frazier’s] mocking two individuals who got tied up and lost their lives in a tragic situation.”

Action News Jax asked Frazier if he would’ve made the same comment looking back at the post now.

“No I wouldn’t,” Frazier said. “I probably would simply offer our sincere condolences, concerns, and care for the painful loss.”

Frazier added that the reported murder-suicide does bring up a ”teachable moment” and larger concern about mental health within law enforcement.

According to Blue H.E.L.P., between eight and 13 law enforcement officers have died by suicide in Florida each year dating back to 2017.

In the first month of 2022, there have already been at least three.

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“We need to be as concerned about their mental health as they are concerned about protecting us. We don’t need to be involved with verbal fisticuffs,” Frazier said.

Reaves agreed there is a need for increased funding related to mental health.

“We need more mental health funds in the budget, but we also need more police officers on the streets,” he said. “Mental health is just one of the many things dumped on police officers across this nation. Our officers are overworked and underpaid. They are expected to be mental health counselors, police officers, day care workers and father figures all at the same time.”

Frazier has been openly critical of law enforcement in the past, calling for “more trust, transparency, and accountability.”

He has has advocated for the ”people’s budget,” which would remove half of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office budget and reallocate funding toward developing job opportunities, mental health services, and strengthening city infrastructure.

Reaves disagreed, saying, “I believe we are creating positive change. If you go talk to individuals who live all over this city — especially here in Jacksonville — our officers do a great job.”

Frazier has also called for a citizen review board.

He was part of Jacksonville’s Safer Together Committee, which was ended in October by Council President Sam Newby. However, Frazier has stated that the work isn’t done.

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