An open letter to DeKalb County Sheriff

Regarding comments before the local 'No Kings' March

Sheriff Weldon,

On Friday, June 13^th, you participated in an interview with WVSM Radio. During this interview you discussed the planned protests for June 14^th in Fort Payne, Scottsboro, and elsewhere across the country. Some of the comments made during this interview were concerning to us as residents of DeKalb County and as citizens that you have sworn to serve and protect. The language and tone used in this interview does not inspire trust and mutual respect with the public.

You asserted that the people who would attend the local protests are unemployed or are not residents of DeKalb County and that protestors are paid to disrupt the public or are a drain to public resources. To your credit, you did say that peaceful protest is an American’s right but also stated that you have never known of a peaceful protest.

Many people have contributed to this letter, and many more have approved of its message. One such resident wanted to say this: “What took place on Saturday, June 14th, 2025 during the 'No Kings' march was a peaceful protest wherein the very constituents of this county that you serve gathered to exercise their first amendment right to peaceful assembly. These citizens are not your enemy. They are the people whose constitutional rights you vowed to support when you took the oath of office. Furthermore, the code of ethics set forth by the Alabama Sheriffs' Association as well as the National Sheriffs' Association specifically charges you to not permit personal opinion, party affiliations, or consideration of the status of others to alter or lessen your standard of treatment of others. However, in your interview with Kayron Guffey of WVSM, you used derogatory and threatening language while referring to members of the community that you have a sworn duty to protect despite any disagreements you may have with their personal beliefs or legally-protected actions. And in reference to your statement that immigrants do not have the same rights as U.S. citizens, I would submit the following: Regardless of a person’s immigration status, everyone is granted certain rights and protections under the Constitution, including the right to due process, the right to legal representation, the right against unreasonable search and seizure, the right to not be arrested or detained without valid reason, and the right to record interactions with law enforcement.”

While we understand that some of your concerns may have been in regard to recent events in cities like Los Angeles, you also used wording that seemed to indicate your feelings about the very principles the protestors are opposed to, or support, rather than focusing on the general behavior of any participants.

As an example, when the interviewer mentioned that there would be protests in more than one city, you used the word “ridiculous” as a response. This was not related to specific behavior, but simply the fact that this event was taking place.

This indicates that you do not value the importance of those protesting that Saturday to voice their opinions by exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly. Since this expression of your opinion was made as part of your job, and not as a private citizen, it is concerning to many people.

One of our members put it this way: “I am an advocate for the Governor's Office on Disability. I am a Democrat. Why? Because the Democrat party advocates for every single program that helps me survive this life. I have dedicated my time to improve the programs that give people like me food, electricity, water, peace. It was so difficult to hear you speak. There are more Democrats here than anyone thinks. Yes, we might be outnumbered. But, you serve us too. Most of us are normal human beings just fighting for important issues, fighting for things that will help us survive life. I pray that you think about your words going forward.”

At one point in the interview you clarified that you didn’t mean to “sound harsh” but that it’s a “bunch of nonsense” and that protestors are “wasting a bunch of time and tax-payer’s dollars by getting out here and pulling all these resources, just to get out here and scream and yell and stick a sign up because they don’t believe in the law. That’s all that is. Because they don’t believe in what’s taking place.” This comment does not mention any behavior outside of the right to peaceful assembly, and yet you are describing it as a bunch of nonsense. Moments later you said “Well that’s the law. If you don’t like it, move. Get out of here. You ain’t gotta be here. I promise you, we’re not begging for you to be here, I promise you that much.” I beg you to consider that the very people you are telling to move, are the residents you are sworn to serve. How can we have confidence that you will fulfill your duty for all residents, when this is the language you use for those with whom you disagree?

One of the signees of this letter had this to say: “As a nurse, I understand the importance of professionalism in our roles. Every day, I take an oath to protect and serve everyone who comes into my care, regardless of their beliefs. I do this happily and with dedication.

Being a sheriff is undoubtedly a professional role, and it is disheartening to hear comments suggesting that someone should be left lying in the road without help. Such remarks are unprofessional and go against the very essence of serving and protecting our community. Any other professional making such a statement would be held accountable. In my profession, I would be reprimanded by my supervisor for such behavior, and I believe the same standard should apply to all who serve the public.

It is crucial for those in positions of authority to prioritize the safety and well-being of others, as it is literally their job to protect. I hope that moving forward, we can all strive to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and care for our community.”

Another signee put it this way: “I am deeply saddened that a sheriff would put out such hatred towards people who do not share the same beliefs as him. As someone who was born and raised, and works in this town, I find these comments deeply troubling.

First, your words seem to dismiss the very real and constitutionally protected right of people—your constituents—to peacefully assemble and express their views. To paint all protestors with such a broad and negative brush is not only unfair, it’s unprofessional for someone in your position. Many people who protest are community members, veterans, teachers, nurses, parents, and young people who care deeply about making this town better.

Second, saying you don’t know much about the Constitution/laws as a public servant sworn to uphold it is alarming. Respectfully, I urge you to consider that your oath of office is not just symbolic. It’s a commitment to protect the rights of all citizens, including those you may disagree with. Dismissing protestors and admitting unfamiliarity with the rights they are exercising—freedom of speech, the right to peacefully assemble—undermines public trust and signals a disregard for the law you're sworn to protect.

Lastly, spreading the idea that protestors are outsiders “bussed in” undermines the voices of real people here who may feel unheard or mistreated. These are your neighbors, not strangers.

I am not writing this letter in anger, but in hope. Our town deserves leadership rooted in fairness, accountability, and respect for civil rights. I hope you’ll reflect on the impact of your words and take steps to represent all of us with integrity. Do better.”

Sheriff Weldon, as you can see many community members are concerned and hurt by your words during this interview. We are hopeful that you will hear this letter through the lens that is intended; not as an angry reaction to differing opinions, but as a group of residents who were alarmed and concerned by the opinions shared by our sheriff during this interview. We feel strongly that the residents of DeKalb County deserve a sheriff who understands his responsibilities toward ALL of us, and not only those who share his opinions. We also deserve the same professionalism and courtesy we are expected to hold in our own careers.

We thank you for taking the time to consider our concerns and hope to find reconciliation and action to help the residents restore our trust in the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office. Will you please take this opportunity to publicly clarify your stance on protesting?

Signed-

Michelle Harris, Alexis Buck, Angie Hood, Lida Simpson, Cara House, Angel Garrett, Amanda Gamsby, Brian Kelly, Tobey Miller, Judy Nicole Kirby, Josh House, Dakota Buck, Cody Lane, Lynn M. Vanderhoff, Stacia Durst, Glenda Nunnally, Crystal Flowers LMSW, Jake Harris, Tammy Miller Brown, Paula Holmes, and several members of the Progressive Women’s Action Coalition