JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As numerous cities prepare for demonstrations this Saturday against Trump and his government, remarks made by Governor Ron DeSantis earlier this week about hitting protesters have intensified the rift among Floridians. This includes many cities along the First Coast.

During the podcast, DeSantis said if protesters threaten you – you can hit them. 

It sounds like he’s citing a law on the books, but it’s also drawing a lot of criticism from people who say he’s drumming up tension.

“I think it’s crucial for individuals to voice their beliefs,” said Tyra Smude from Indivisible Jax-Riverside, the organization leading one of the No Kings Day protests in Jacksonville this Saturday.

She was not happy to hear Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ comments on The Rubin Report podcast earlier this week.

He stated, “We have a policy in place that if you’re driving on a road and a group surrounds and threatens your vehicle, you are entitled to move forward for your safety… So, if you drive away and end up hitting one of these individuals, it’s their responsibility for obstructing you.”

“You know, he’s encouraging bad behavior. He is way out of line and he’s going out of his way to intimidate us,” Smude said. 

State Representative Angie Nixon of Jacksonville said she feels DeSantis is provoking violence. “He’s trying to light a match and throw gasoline at the same time.”

DeSantis’ comments about hitting protesters if they threaten you come amidst the protests in L.A. over ICE raids.  While mostly peaceful, some of those California protesters turned to violence.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said Thursday, “We want to put the public on notice in Florida and remind everybody, you know, we have a law that says you cannot riot. We have enhanced penalties if you engage in this behavior in Florida, um, you will do time.”

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey took it further at the same news conference, “If you throw a brick, a fire bomb or point a gun at one of our deputies, we will be notifying your family where to collect your remains, because we will kill you, graveyard dead.”

He also said he supports peaceful protests. That’s what many social justice leaders  — such as Smude  — say are the plans for Saturday’s No Kings Day protests. However, she and others don’t appreciate the language others are using, saying it’s intimidating.

“I would like folks to feel safe and assured. I know there’s some inflammatory language going on out there, but we are within our rights. We’re going to be on public land on the the sidewalk following every single rule of law,” Smude noted. 

Friday, the governor’s office sent First Coast News this statement:  “In Florida, violence is not condoned, and residents have the right to defend themselves and their families. Let me be clear; obstructing roadways and threatening innocent bystanders is illegal—this is not an opinion , it’s the law.”

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s office sent First Coast News this statement in regards to Desantis’ comments: “The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is well-prepared for Saturday’s planned protests. Our agency supports and respects Americans’ constitutional right to peacefully protest. However, any conduct outside of the law will not be tolerated, so that JSO can provide for the safety and security of all Jacksonville citizens.”