Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) announced today new legislation meant to stop violent assemblies and protect law enforcement officers and defund cities that slash the budgets of their law enforcement agency.
In other words, much like Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) recently did, DeSantis will be defunding municipalities who look to defund police municipalities.
With the “Combatting Violence, Disorder and Looting and Law Enforcement Protection Act,” it will create new criminal offenses while also increasing penalties for any person targeting law enforcement or participating in assemblies that are considered disorderly or violent.
In a statement, the Florida Governor explained why he believes this legislation is important for the sunshine state.
“Our right to peacefully assemble is one of our most cherished as Americans, but throughout the country we’ve seen that right being taken advantage of by professional agitators, bent on sowing disorder and causing mayhem in our cities,” detailed Governor DeSantis.
“I will not allow this kind of violence to occur here in Florida,” he added, noting that “the legislation announced today will not only combat rioting and looting, but also protect the men and women in law enforcement that wake up every day to keep us safe.”
Florida Rep. Chris Sprowls (R), the incoming Florida Speaker of the House, also chimed in on the legislation, backing the Governor and affirming that “violence and destruction are the tools of terrorists, not reformers.” Moreover, “we live in a country founded on the power of words, and no group of self-appointed activists and anarchists can be allowed to deprive others of their life, liberty or property.”
Sprowls’ comments come at a time when he has heavily criticized Democratic lawmakers for allegedly endorsing the acts of rioters and looters.
