Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has just signed Executive Order 21-11, activating the Florida National Guard in advance of potentially violent protests in the days leading up to President Donald Trump’s last day in office, and President-Elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.
The order also authorizes the state national guard to coordinate and work alongside local and state law enforcement, in particular the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Gov. DeSantis’ order comes less than two weeks after extremists stormed the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., and caused a riot that resulted in the deaths of 6 individuals, including two Capitol Police officers.
Here is what the order states:
I, RON DESANTIS, as Governor of the State of Florida, by the powers vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Florida, do hereby issue the following Executive Order:
I hereby order the Adjutant General to activate the Florida National Guard, and I authorize active duty status for those personnel and units of the Florida National Guard, as designated by the Adjutant General, that are needed to assist the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and state and local authorities. I direct the Florida National Guard to coordinate with and support the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in its efforts to support state and local law enforcement for security missions and assignments necessary to maintain peace.
This Order will take immediate effect. It will remain in full force and effect until January 24, 2021, or such time as the assistance to State and local government authorities is complete. Such termination will occur at my direction as Governor following consultation with the Adjutant General and the Commissioner of the Department of Law Enforcement, who will coordinate response efforts in support of state and local agencies.
This is a developing story…
The Floridian was in the House chamber as the riot broke out and was reporting on the fluid situation. READ MORE HERE
