Florida-based supermarket chain Publix announced Friday that corporate-backed political contributions will be suspended “as we reevaluate our giving processes” – an announcement that came shortly before Parkland shooting survivor David Hogg’s “die-in” protest.
In response to the revelation earlier this month that Publix donated $670,000 to Florida GOP gubernatorial candidate Adam Putnam, Hogg organized the “die-in” protest to occur at a Publix in Coral Springs on Friday where participants were instructed to lie down in the store for 12 minutes.
Shortly before the protest was set to begin at 4 p.m., Publix issued a statement regarding the suspension of corporate-funded political contributions.
“At Publix, we respect the students and members of the community who have chosen to express their voices on these issues,” Publix said in a statement. “We regret that our contributions have led to a divide in our community. We did not intend to put our associates and the customers they serve in the middle of a political debate. At the same time, we remain committed to maintaining a welcoming shopping environment for our customers.”
“We would never knowingly disappoint our customers or the communities we serve,” the statement continued. “As a result, we decided earlier this week to suspend corporate-funded political contributions as we reevaluate our giving processes.”
Publix has contributed $2.1 million to Republican and Democratic state candidates this election cycle and in 2016 contributed $3 million, according to the Florida Division of Elections website.
The shooting in Parkland, Fla., took place at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in mid February. A total of 17 people lost their lives in the attack, prompting a renewed push across the nation for stricter gun laws.
