Man Threatens to “Exercise 2nd Amendment Right” with Shotgun, Family Flees to Hotel

by Ryan Yousefi July 2, 2025

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Man Threatens to "Exercise 2nd Amendment Right" with Shotgun, Family Flees to Hotel 2

Derek Joseph Zauner {BSO}

A Tamarac man with a documented history of mental illness was arrested after allegedly threatening to “exercise his 2nd Amendment right” with a shotgun and claiming he would slit someone’s throat.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed by the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Derek Joseph Zauner, 23, was taken into custody on June 27 at his residence, located near the 7800 block of Northwest 70th Terrace, following reports of an assault in progress.

Deputies responded and were informed by Zauner’s grandmother that he had made alarming threats involving a firearm. Authorities say interviews revealed that his behavior escalated earlier in the week during an argument with his girlfriend inside a trailer on the property, prompting a family member to flee the home in fear.

Zauner’s aunt told deputies she had been staying in a hotel since June 22 following the confrontation. She alleged that Zauner threatened to “exercise his 2nd Amendment right” and said “one of them would be dead.” She also informed law enforcement that he suffers from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and reportedly stopped taking his prescribed medications at age 18.

Zauner’s grandmother also claimed Zauner previously made a threat to slit someone’s throat.

During a search of the property, deputies located a hunting rifle inside Zauner’s camper. The firearm, which belonged to the deceased father of a family acquaintance, was impounded by law enforcement for safekeeping.

Zauner was arrested and transported to the Broward County Main Jail.

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Ryan Yousefi

Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiples outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.