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.
DeSantis signs âanti-riotâ legislation in Polk County
The new law will allow people to sue local governments if their property is damaged during a riot and and will bump many criminal penalties from misdemeanors to felonies.
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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, seen during a news conference Monday, Sept. 21, 2020, where he first proposed the idea of âanti-mobâ legislation. [ The Florida Channel ]
Updated 3 hours ago
TALLAHASSEE â Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday put a cap on one of his top legislative priorities by signing an âanti-mobâ legislation into law back where it all began.
Flanked by sheriffs and Republican legislative leaders in ruby red Polk County, DeSantis signed legislation that, among many things, will immediately enhance criminal penalties for crimes committed during protests that turn violent.
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By Gordon Byrd
Apr 19, 2021
WINTER HAVEN Governor DeSantis, surrounded by legislative leaders, Cabinet members and law enforcement, signed what has been called the anti-riot bill at the Polk County Sheriff s Office.
He signed it as closing arguments got underway in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the fired Minneapolis police officer charged in the violent death of George Floyd. Unrest, including violent protest, broke out in the wake of Floyd s death last May.
DeSantis and other speakers, including CFO Jimmy Patronis and Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, referenced unrest in Minneapolis, Portland, Seattle and other cities. They said the bill sends a message that Florida backs the blue in the face of calls to defund the police.
DeSantis signs anti-rioting bill into law msn.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from msn.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.