Video: Gov. Ron DeSantis discusses protests in Los Angeles.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Ahead of the demonstrations planned for Saturday, Governor Ron DeSantis stressed on a podcast that drivers in Florida “have a right to defend themselves” if they feel endangered.
The governor said drivers will not be held responsible if they hit protestors, as long as it’s because they are in fear for their safety.
“If you find yourself driving on a road and a group surrounds your car and poses a threat, you have the right to flee to ensure your safety. Therefore, if you drive away and accidentally hit someone in the process, the responsibility lies with them for creating the risk,” DeSantis explained during an episode of “The Rubin Report” podcast, which aired Wednesday night.
These statements from the governor coincide with anticipated “No Kings” protests in cities nationwide, including several events scheduled in the Tampa Bay area, voicing opposition to the Trump Administration and its policies.
The rallies coincide with Trump’s military parade in Washington D.C. to commemorate the Army’s 250th anniversary. The anniversary also happens to fall on the president’s birthday.
Tensions have escalated amid protests over immigration raids in Los Angeles, and many have questioned the president’s deployment of troops to the area — the legality of which is still being considered in federal court.
There have been reports of anti-ICE protestors blocking roads, including a freeway in Los Angeles, according to the Associated Press.
DeSantis has been openly critical of the demonstrations and California’s response.
“You don’t have to sit there and just be a sitting duck and let the mob grab you out of your car and drag you through the streets, you have a right to defend yourself in Florida,” DeSantis said on the podcast Wednesday.
