Progressive Lawmaker Disingenuously Calls DeSantis 'Biggest defender' of Capitol Riot

While Democrats are still demanding justice and full accountability over the January 6th Capitol riot in Washington, State Rep. Carlos G. Smith (D-49) has accused Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) of being the, "biggest defender," of the January 6th riots on Capitol Hill.

Representative Smith tweeted this after an article revealed a concerning amount of Floridians made up the list of people charged for storming the capitol as the 2020 election results were being certified. In fact, the article names Florida as the, "top state," for people charged that day.

Smith then commented on the article, stating,  "[DeSantis] is the GOP’s biggest, most effective promoter of Trump’s big election lie as well as the biggest defender of the insurrection. The results speak for themselves."

However, if we take a look back, there was a clear hesitancy from the Florida governor to call out the 2020 election as not legitimate as many Republicans have popularly asserted.  On several occasions DeSantis has all out avoided commentary on the former President, which have led many to assume he is eyeing up 2024.

Nevertheless, recent straw polls have shown that DeSantis is creeping up on Trump's monopoly on the Republican Party.  Although arguing that the governor has flat out pushed an, "insurrection" appears to be somewhat of a stretch.

While Smith is by far one of the most Progressive lawmakers in the Florida legislature, he recently endorsed US Rep. Charlie Crist (D-FL) for governor.  The former Republican is often seen as a more moderate choice when compared to his primary counterpart, Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried (D-FL).