DeSantis signs controversial anti-riot bill as nation awaits verdict in George Floyd case Kimberly C. Moore and John Kennedy, The Ledger
WINTER HAVEN – Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law on Monday a sweeping bill that he says will increase punishment for people who violently riot, loot and destroy property, and punish cities that don’t protect lives and property and attempt to redirect funding for law enforcement.
But detractors say the law violates residents’ first-amendment rights to free speech and targets Black communities, which protested last summer following the death of an unarmed Black man, George Floyd, at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. DeSantis signed the bill on the day the jury in the trial of one of those officers was expected to receive the case.
Gov. DeSantis signs anti-riot bill imposing harsher criminal penalties on violent protesters
By Elizabeth Fry and FOX 13 News staff
Published
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - From the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a measure into law that would stiffen penalties against violent protesters.
The sweeping proposal, titled Combating Public Disorder, would create a new crime of mob intimidation, enhance penalties for riot-related looting and violence and create an affirmative defense for individuals who injure or kill violent protesters.
It was presented by DeSantis last year after the death of George Floyd led to nationwide protests and riots.
/ Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said he will sign the anti-riot bill during a press conference in Polk County on April 19, 2021.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has approved a bill he says will curb violence and property damage during protests. It’s a response to last summer’s protests following the death of George Floyd and calls to defund the police.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has approved a bill he says will curb violence and property damage during protests. It’s a response to last summer’s protests following the death of George Floyd and calls to defund the police. DeSantis signed off on the measure Monday at a press conference in Polk County the same place where he first introduced the proposal seven months ago.
‘You Have Just Declared War On First Amendment In Florida’: Sen. Shevrin Jones Blasts Gov. DeSantis For Signing ‘Anti-Riot’ Bill Into Law
CBS Miami 1 hr ago Syndicated Local – CBS Miami
TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami) – “You have just declared war on the First Amendment in the state of Florida.” Strong words on Monday afternoon from State Senator Shevrin Jones, D-Miami Gardens, directed at Governor Ron DeSantis just hours after signing HB-1, the so-called anti-riot bill.
The law, which went into effect immediately, creates a new crime of “mob intimidation,” enhances riot-related penalties and makes it harder for local officials to reduce spending on law enforcement.