DeSantis says Florida drivers have right to hit protestors if they need to ‘flee' for ‘safety'
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — During a podcast ahead of Saturday's planned protests, Gov. Ron DeSantis emphasized that Florida drivers 'have a right to defend themselves' if they feel threatened.
The governor said drivers will not be held responsible if they hit protestors, as long as it's because they are in fear for their safety.
WATCH: Teen on e-bike flees from Florida woman chasing him in SUV on walking path
'If you are driving on one of those streets and a mob comes and surrounds your vehicle and threatens you, you have a right to flee for your safety, and so if you drive off and you hit one of these people, that's their fault for impinging on you,' DeSantis said on an episode of 'The Rubin Report' podcast that was released Wednesday night.
The governor's remarks come as people in cities across the nation, including several in Tampa Bay, are expected to engage in 'No Kings' protests in opposition to the Trump Administration and its policies.
The rallies coincide with Trump's military parade in Washington D.C. to commemorate the Army's 250th anniversary. The anniversary also happens to fall on the president's birthday.
Tensions have escalated amid protests over immigration raids in Los Angeles, and many have questioned the president's deployment of troops to the area — the legality of which is still being considered in federal court.
There have been reports of anti-ICE protestors blocking roads, including a freeway in Los Angeles, according to the Associated Press.
DeSantis has been openly critical of the demonstrations and California's response.
'You don't have to sit there and just be a sitting duck and let the mob grab you out of your car and drag you through the streets, you have a right to defend yourself in Florida,' DeSantis said on the podcast Wednesday.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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