Crime & Safety
Gov. Ron DeSantis Activates FL National Guard Ahead Of Protests
The Florida National Guard has been called to active duty in Tallahassee as the capitol prepares for possible armed protests on Sunday.
TALLAHASSEE, FL — Gov. Ron DeSantis activated the Florida National Guard Friday night in response to possible protests at the state capitol this weekend.
The governor's executive order directs the Guard to work with local and state law enforcement officers in Tallahassee to help maintain peace throughout President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration.
Fifty state capitols have been warned by the FBI of the possibility of armed protests in the days leading to Biden's inauguration on Jan. 20. According to an online flyer, many of these armed protests planned by people who believe Biden did not win the presidential election are scheduled for Sunday.
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"I direct the Florida National Guard to coordinate with and support the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in its efforts to support state and local law enforcement for security missions and assignments necessary to maintain peace," DeSantis wrote.
DeSantis issued the executive order the same day Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey requested the Guard deployed downtown around the state Capitol this weekend, the Tallahassee Democrat reported.
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The immediate executive order remains in effect until Jan. 24, or such time as the assistance to state and local government authorities is complete.
According to Sarasota Patch, a Tallahassee man who is on the opposite side was arrested Friday morning for making threats on social media to violently disrupt plans through Inauguration Day. Daniel Baker, 33, faces federal charges, according to the Department of Justice.
"As always, we appreciate any collaborative effort between local and state government in helping us maintain vigilance and order through these times," Lt. Shade McMillian, public information officer for the Leon County Sheriff's Office told the Democrat. "We will be here to protect the constitutional rights of everyone to protest but also keeping in mind public safety and the protection of property."
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