Nationwide protests are planned across the country this weekend.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is sending a clear message to anyone planning to cause trouble.
And Ron DeSantis dropped one warning that left potential rioters terrified.
DeSantis issues stark warning ahead of "No Kings" protests
More than 75 "No Kings" protests are scheduled to take place across Florida this weekend as part of over 1,500 nationwide demonstrations against the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts.
The protests are planned for Flag Day, June 14, which also happens to be President Donald Trump’s birthday and coincides with a military parade in Washington, D.C. celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary.
Governor DeSantis made it crystal clear that while peaceful protest is protected in Florida, violence and lawlessness will not be tolerated.
"In Florida, if you riot, if you loot, if you engage any type of mob violence, you are not going to be treated like they treat you in Portland, where you get a slap on the wrist and then just get put right back on the street," DeSantis said during an interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham. "You do that in Florida, you’re going to jail and you’re going to be held accountable."
The Governor stressed that Florida supports free speech but draws a hard line at violence.
"The minute you cross that line, that’s when we will spring into action," he explained.
DeSantis has mobilized state resources including local sheriffs, state police, and if necessary, the National Guard to respond to any violence or unrest.
DeSantis warns drivers have the right to protect themselves
During an appearance on "The Rubin Report," DeSantis delivered an even more pointed warning to potential rioters about what could happen if they try to intimidate or threaten law-abiding citizens.
"We have a policy that if you’re driving on one of those streets and a mob comes and surrounds your vehicle and threatens you, you have a right to flee for your safety," DeSantis explained. "And so if you drive off and you hit one of these people, that’s their fault for impinging on you."
The Governor made it clear that Floridians don’t have to become victims of mob violence.
"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," DeSantis stated. "You have a right to defend yourself in Florida."
This warning is backed up by Florida’s 2021 "Combating Public Disorder Act," which DeSantis signed after nationwide protests following George Floyd’s death.
The law eliminated driver liability for hitting protesters under certain circumstances and created new crimes including aggravated rioting and mob intimidation.
Florida’s tough stance contrasts with California’s chaos
DeSantis has repeatedly contrasted Florida’s law and order approach with the chaos that erupted in Los Angeles following Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests.
Protests in Los Angeles escalated into riots, with demonstrators throwing items at officers, setting off fireworks, and blocking buses.
"This is not Los Angeles. This is the free state of Florida," DeSantis said during a Cabinet meeting. "So we respect the law, we respect the people that are executing the law."
The Governor recalled how quickly Florida law enforcement dealt with Hamas protesters who tried to block a road in Miami.
"Police were able to clear the streets within 13 minutes," DeSantis noted. "So you’re going to be held accountable. The inmates are not going to run the asylum."
DeSantis even offered to send the Florida State Guard to help California deal with the riots, an offer that was declined by California officials.
Local law enforcement echoes tough message
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey delivered an even more blunt warning to potential troublemakers.
"If you try to mob rule a car in Brevard County, gathering around it, refusing to let the driver leave, in our county you are most likely going to get run over and dragged across the street," Ivey said.
The sheriff made it clear that deputies won’t hesitate to use deadly force if threatened.
"If you throw a brick, a firebomb, or point a gun at one of our deputies, we will be notifying your family where to collect your remains," Ivey warned. "Because we will kill you, graveyard dead. We’re not gonna play."
Protesters claim they plan peaceful demonstrations
Organizers of the "No Kings" protests insist they plan peaceful demonstrations.
The "No Kings" website states: "We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events."
The protests are being supported by prominent Democrats including billionaire Christy Walton, who ran a full-page ad in The New York Times encouraging Americans to participate.
But DeSantis isn’t taking any chances after seeing what happened in other states.
"We’ll see what they do in Florida," DeSantis said. "People can always choose to do the wrong thing, even in Florida. The difference is in Florida, you ain’t just getting a slap on the wrist like they do in Portland, and you go right back on the street. You’re going to end up in the inside of a jail cell, and you will be held accountable."
DeSantis has made it clear that Florida won’t tolerate the kind of lawlessness seen in other states.
"It’s a bad decision to try to pull that nonsense in Florida," the Governor concluded.
Law-abiding Floridians can rest assured that their Governor has their backs when it comes to protecting them from mob violence.
