Governor DeSantis Supports Legislation Allowing Drivers More Leeway in Protests

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has informed drivers that they would not be penalized if, in self-defense, they strike protesters obstructing traffic during demonstrations.

“If you find yourself on a street where a crowd surrounds your vehicle and poses a threat, you are allowed to flee to ensure your safety,” DeSantis explained on a recent episode of “The Rubin Report” podcast released Wednesday night. “Hence, if you drive away and accidentally hit someone, it’s a consequence of them obstructing you.”

“You have a right to defend yourself in Florida,” the governor added.

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Protests referred to as “No Kings” are planned across the United States on Saturday, including several in Florida, where one sheriff declared protesters would be killed “graveyard dead” if they get violent or threaten law enforcement.

The most significant protests, which are mostly in opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests, have taken place in Los Angeles, California. The demonstrations, which have at times become violent, prompted President Donald Trump to call in the National Guard last week, an action to which California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, both Democrats, have expressed their fierce opposition.

The protests in the southern California city have caused road closures and traffic jams, which can constitute safety concerns. However, there have been numerous examples in recent years, including at the recent protests, of people using their vehicles to ram into crowds, causing injuries and even deaths.

DeSantis, like other Republican leaders, has been strongly opposed to heated protests, including those in 2020 following the death of George Floyd. His recent comments suggest his stance has not changed.

“You have no right to commandeer streets,” the governor, who unsuccessfully ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, said. “First of all, it’s just wrong; second of all, that has huge impacts on people’s quality of life.”