Community Corner
DeSantis Moves To Crack Down On Protesters Considered Unruly
Following protests around the country over racial unrest and police brutality, DeSantis announced the legislation.
By Danielle J. Brown
September 21, 2020
Following protests around the country over racial unrest and police brutality, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday said he will push legislation this coming spring to curb actions of protesters who are considered disorderly.
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The bottom line: If someone is judged unruly they could face more criminal penalties than in the past.
This announcement follows months of unrest throughout the country in regards to police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement, where cities such as Portland, Oregon has seen unending protests on the subject since the police killing of George Floyd.
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“You didn’t see the type of disorder here in the state of Florida that you did throughout many other parts in the country. But, I think we need to do more than what we’ve already done,” said DeSantis, flanked by sheriffs across Florida, plus other politicians who can push such legislation.
The upcoming Senate leader Wilton Simpson and the new House Speaker Chris Sprowls were at the news conference. They will be in the leadership roles during the 2021 legislative session that opens in March. DeSantis said he needed to have a strong legislative response on the issue of tough penalties for violence at protests.
DeSantis acknowledges that Florida has generally not had the kind of protests and violence that has erupted in other states. But the governor suggested that that kind of behavior could happen.
The governor also said that Florida will not support localities to defund the police, which has been a proposition to help reduce police brutality. The governor said localities would risk losing money if they move to defund local law enforcement.
The move by DeSantis comes as voters go to the polls in November and people can vote before that through mail-in ballots and early voting.
More to come….
This story was originally published by the Florida Phoenix. For more stories from the Florida Phoenix, visit FloridaPhoenix.com.
