TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In a bold demonstration of civil disobedience, Jacksonville Democrat Rep. Angie Nixon found herself in handcuffs Friday evening following a prolonged sit-in protest outside Governor Ron DeSantis’ office. The arrest, reported by News 6 partner WJXT, came after Nixon spent five hours advocating for discussions on Florida’s affordability issues.
The protest, which began around midday, aimed to prompt a dialogue with a representative from DeSantis’ team. Nixon was joined by fellow demonstrators who were also detained, highlighting the escalating tensions around cost-of-living concerns in the state. As Nixon was taken into custody, Capitol Police instructed five of her supporters, along with various media personnel, to vacate the premises.
“I’m here because we have continually failed to do the business of the people in this legislative body, in this governor’s office,” Nixon passionately conveyed to the News Service of Florida just before her arrest. Her protest underscored grievances over the state’s inaction on pressing economic issues, contrasting with political maneuvers she claims are aligned with the interests of former President Donald Trump.
Details surrounding the charges against Nixon remained unclear at the time of her arrest, as did her subsequent whereabouts. Her stand, however, aligns with her broader political ambitions, as Nixon is currently vying for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate.
In response to her arrest, Rep. Nixon shared a statement, further elucidating her stance and the motivations behind her protest. The unfolding situation underscores the rising tensions in Florida’s political landscape, particularly concerning economic policies and governance priorities.
Rep. Nixon issued the following statement:
“My commitment has always been to the people of my district and to the Constitution I swore to uphold, not to any political party or agenda. I will continue to honor that commitment by fighting against injustice, defending our democracy, and demanding action on the issues that matter most to the people we serve.”
“I will not allow our rights and representation to be taken away in silence. At a time when people need their leadership to step up and govern, Gov. DeSantis and the Republican-controlled legislature in Florida are playing politics with people’s lives. I was arrested today along with outraged constituents demanding action instead of doing the job taxpayers send them to Tallahassee for. I am calling for the release of all the peaceful protesters arrested today and for this legislature to revisit the Constitution they claim to uphold so that we can have representative maps.”
On Thursday, Nixon was reprimanded by the House Rules and Ethics Committee for her loud protest on the House floor last month that disrupted the vote on new congressional district maps.
The incident wasn’t the first time Nixon caused a commotion on the House floor over redistricting. She led a protest in 2022 when the old districts were approved. The House briefly recessed but returned one hour later to approve the map.
“It doesn’t have to be this way, and so that is why I’m here,” Nixon said.
A request for comment from the governor’s office was not immediately returned Friday afternoon.
