Lisa C. White, a Florida-licensed attorney living in Mississippi, is facing federal charges after allegedly threatening to shoot U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents while trying to buy a gun. The 2026 case began when employees at a firearms store in Long Beach, Mississippi, reported troubling statements White allegedly made about shooting federal officers. She was arrested on September 24, pleaded not guilty in October, and remains in custody ahead of a trial scheduled for November 16, 2026.
Who Is Lisa White?
Lisa C. White is an attorney who has been licensed to practice law in Florida since October 1995. Although she previously worked in Broward County, Florida, she was living in Mississippi when federal authorities arrested her.
Florida Bar records reviewed in early October showed that White was in good standing, with no disciplinary history listed at the time. Her legal background attracted particular attention after news of her arrest spread nationally.
White became the focus of a federal investigation following an encounter at High Caliber Guns, a firearms store in Long Beach, on September 23, 2026.
What Happened at the Mississippi Gun Store?
According to a federal criminal complaint, White entered High Caliber Guns at approximately 11:30 a.m. and told an employee she wanted to purchase a firearm and pepper spray.
She reportedly described herself as a protester and activist who needed protection while attending demonstrations. During the conversation, White expressed concerns about the behavior of immigration enforcement officers.
The employee told investigators that the conversation became increasingly alarming when White began asking about shooting ICE agents.
According to the complaint, she wanted to know whether the handguns available at the store could penetrate the body armor commonly worn by law enforcement officers. When discussing the possibility that the protective equipment could stop a bullet, she allegedly referred to shooting an officer in an unprotected area.
The employee warned White that pointing a gun at law enforcement officers could lead to her being shot. She reportedly responded, "If I have to die, I have to die."
Those statements, along with the circumstances of the attempted firearm purchase, became central to the federal investigation.
Why Did the Gun Store Refuse to Sell Her a Gun?
Rather than completing the sale, a store employee suggested that White consider pepper spray and obtain firearms training.
White left the store but allegedly returned shortly before 1 p.m. to complete a handgun purchase. The store owner declined the transaction and told her to come back several days later.
The owner reported the encounter to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), which passed the information to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Federal investigators then interviewed store employees about what White had said and the circumstances surrounding her visit.
The store's decision to report the incident became a key part of the investigation, allowing federal agents to examine the alleged threats before any reported confrontation with ICE personnel occurred.
Investigators Also Questioned Shooting Range Employees
The criminal complaint describes another visit White allegedly made to a local shooting range.
According to investigators, she went to the GunHo shooting range, rented two 9mm handguns, and fired them during a practice session. Employees also reported that she purchased 50 rounds of ammunition.
White allegedly told range employees that she had served in the U.S. Army and considered herself an experienced shooter. Those claims were recorded as part of the investigation but have not been independently established as facts about her background.
Investigators examined the shooting range visit alongside the reported conversation at High Caliber Guns to better understand the circumstances surrounding the alleged threats.
Lisa White Arrested on September 24, 2026
HSI agents arrested White in Long Beach on September 24, one day after the reported gun store encounter.
The investigation involved cooperation between Homeland Security Investigations and the ATF.
Matthew Reidell, the HSI Gulfport assistant special agent in charge, said the agency takes threats against federal law enforcement officers seriously. He also credited members of the public for reporting the incident promptly.
White was initially detained on a federal criminal complaint alleging threats against a law enforcement officer.
The case later proceeded to a federal grand jury indictment.
What Federal Charges Does Lisa White Face?
White faces a federal charge involving threatening a federal official, described in reporting as influencing, impeding, or retaliating against a federal officer by threat.
Federal court docket information shows that an indictment was filed on October 7, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi.
According to reporting on the case, the alleged offense carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, along with a possible fine of up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release.
These are potential penalties, not a sentence that has been imposed.
Prosecutors must establish the required elements of the criminal charge beyond a reasonable doubt. The statements described in the complaint remain allegations unless proven in court.
Lisa White Pleads Not Guilty
White appeared in federal court on October 15, 2026, and pleaded not guilty.
A judge ordered that she remain in custody while awaiting trial. Court records show that her case continued through the federal judicial process following the October 7 indictment.
Her trial was scheduled for November 16, 2026, although that date could change through subsequent court orders.
As of October 22, 2026, no conviction or final sentence had been reported in the case.
Could the Case Affect Lisa White's Legal Career?
White's status as a licensed attorney has raised questions about whether the criminal proceedings could affect her ability to practice law.
The Florida Bar oversees attorney conduct and has disciplinary procedures for lawyers accused or convicted of serious misconduct.
However, criminal charges do not automatically establish a violation of professional rules. Any disciplinary action would depend on the relevant facts, applicable regulations, and the outcome of separate proceedings.
Reporting in early October indicated that White's Florida law license remained in good standing at that time, with no disciplinary history listed.
No subsequent disciplinary sanction related to the federal case was independently confirmed in the sources reviewed for this article.
Political Speech and Threats Against Federal Officers
The allegations against White arose during a period of intense public disagreement over federal immigration enforcement.
Americans have a constitutional right to criticize government agencies, participate in demonstrations, and advocate changes to immigration policy. Those protections also extend to strongly worded political opinions.
However, the First Amendment does not protect all statements involving threats of unlawful violence.
Whether particular statements constitute a criminal threat depends on their context, the speaker's mental state, and the legal requirements of the charge.
In White's case, investigators focused on her alleged statements about shooting ICE agents while attempting to obtain a firearm. Her attorneys may challenge the witnesses' recollections, the interpretation of her words, and the government's evidence as the proceedings continue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Lisa White?
Lisa C. White is a Florida-licensed attorney who was living in Mississippi when she was arrested in September 2026 over allegations that she threatened federal immigration officers.
Why was Lisa White arrested?
She was arrested after employees at High Caliber Guns in Long Beach, Mississippi, reported that she had allegedly made threats against ICE agents while attempting to purchase a firearm.
Did Lisa White threaten to shoot ICE agents?
Federal investigators allege that she discussed shooting ICE officers and asked whether certain firearms could penetrate body armor. White has pleaded not guilty, and the allegations have not been proven in court.
Where did the incident happen?
The reported encounter occurred at High Caliber Guns in Long Beach, Mississippi, on September 23, 2026.
Did Lisa White buy a gun?
According to the criminal complaint, the gun store declined to complete the sale. Investigators separately reported that she rented firearms at a shooting range and purchased ammunition.
What charges does Lisa White face?
She faces a federal charge involving threats against a federal law enforcement officer, with a reported maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Has Lisa White been convicted?
No. As of October 22, 2026, White had pleaded not guilty, and her case was awaiting trial.
When is Lisa White's trial?
Her federal trial was scheduled for November 16, 2026, subject to possible changes by the court.
Conclusion
Lisa White's federal case began with a conversation at a Mississippi gun store that employees considered serious enough to report to authorities. Investigators allege that she made threatening statements about ICE agents while discussing the purchase of a firearm.
The reported incident led to her arrest, a federal indictment, and a pending criminal trial. White denies the charge, and the prosecution must prove its case in court.
For now, the central question is whether the statements attributed to White meet the legal requirements of a criminal threat. That determination will depend on the evidence presented during the federal proceedings.
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