Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced legislation against violent protesters with penalties he compared to a “ton of bricks” raining down on them.
DeSantis, speaking to reporters on Monday at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, said the bill would provide mandatory jail time for those who hit law enforcement officers, in addition to levying felonies against protesters who damage property or injure others. The bill would also prevent protesters who commit crimes from being employed by the state or receiving state benefits, according to Politico.
“We’re not going to go down the road that other places have gone,” the governor said. “If you do it, and you know that a ton of bricks will rain down on you, then I think people will think twice about engaging in this type of conduct.”
DeSantis is a major ally of President Trump, who has called for governors to take a stronger stance against protesters who commit crimes or riot.
“This is a very robust package,” the governor said. “I think what it is saying is we’re not going to let Florida go down the road where some of these places have gone.”
The bill will be taken up and considered by Florida’s majority-Republican legislature during 2021’s session. State Senate President-elect Wilton Simpson hailed the bill’s support for law enforcement.
“If you own a business and someone is looting your business, you’re going to call law enforcement,” he said. “They deserve the backing to the fullest extent of the law.”
The legislation would also prevent municipalities in the Sunshine State from getting state grants if they move to defund local police departments.
