Florida legislators reacted to the antisemitic rallies in the greater Orlando area on Saturday after neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups demonstrated at Disney Springs and Altamonte Springs.
Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle condemned the groups and their rhetoric.
Florida stands with our Jewish community today and every day.
Antisemitism, racism and hatred are not welcome in our state. I will NOT be silent or stop fighting for our Jewish friends and great ally, Israel.https://t.co/attjMXl8HJ
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) September 3, 2023
“Florida stands with our Jewish community today and every day. Antisemitism, racism and hatred are not welcome in our state. I will NOT be silent or stop fighting for our Jewish friends and great ally, Israel,” stated Senator Rick Scott (R-FL).
State Representative Anna V. Eskamani (D-FL) posted a video on X showcasing one of the rallies in Altamonte Springs, calling it “absolutely disgusting stuff.”
“Nazis in Altamonte Springs at Cranes Roost Park screaming ‘we are every where’ – absolutely disgusting stuff and another example of far right extremism growing in FL,” said State Rep. Eskamani.
However, despite U.S. Representative Cory Mills (R-FL) denouncing the engagement from the white supremacist groups, the Florida Congressman believes that the event was “orchestrated with paid actors” and should be investigated by the USG (United States government).
I wholeheartedly condemn any racist or anti-Semitic hatred, or harassment in our communities in Central Florida.
I will continue to push policies that support and protect our Jewish friends, and our ally, Israel.
While I believe the recent events were orchestrated with paid…
— Rep. Cory Mills 🇺🇸 (@RepMillsPress) September 4, 2023
“I wholeheartedly condemn any racist or anti-Semitic hatred, or harassment in our communities in Central Florida. I will continue to push policies that support and protect our Jewish friends, and our ally, Israel. While I believe the recent events were orchestrated with paid actors, and should be investigated by Congress for USG involvement, it still reminds us of the bigotry and hatred in America that we must root out,” asserted Rep. Mills.
Moreover, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office relayed their thoughts concerning the demonstrations, saying that while they “deplore hate speech in any form” while maintaining that “people have the First Amendment right to demonstrate.”
"We know these groups demonstrate in high profile areas in order to agitate and incite people with antisemitic symbols and slurs," said the sheriff’s office. "The Orange County Sheriff’s Office deplores hate speech in any form, but people have the First Amendment right to demonstrate. What these groups do is revolting and condemned in the strongest way by Sheriff [John] Mina and the Sheriff’s Office. They are looking for attention, and specifically media attention."
No one was arrested at either event.
