Riots Explode—Now DeSantis Drops the Hammer

Florida drivers threatened by rioters can legally “mow them down” and flee to safety, declares Governor DeSantis, drawing a stark line for upcoming “No Kings” protesters.

As nationwide anti-Trump “No Kings” protests gear up across nearly 80 Florida cities this weekend, Governor Ron DeSantis has issued a crystal-clear warning to potential rioters: Florida is not California, and the consequences will be swift and severe. DeSantis emphasized that Floridians have the legal right to defend themselves, including driving through mobs that surround their vehicles. This hard-line stance comes as local law enforcement and the National Guard prepare for possible unrest, with Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey delivering his own chilling message to would-be attackers that they would be “killed graveyard dead” if they assault officers.

DeSantis Draws a Hard Line for Protesters

While the rest of the country watches scenes of unchecked chaos in places like Los Angeles, Florida’s governor has made it abundantly clear that such nonsense won’t fly in the Sunshine State. In an interview that has liberals clutching their pearls, DeSantis laid out Florida’s position with refreshing clarity that leaves no room for interpretation. The message is simple: protest peacefully if you must, but the moment you surround someone’s vehicle and threaten them, you’ve surrendered your right to complain about becoming a speed bump.

This isn’t just tough talk. Florida’s anti-riot legislation, signed in 2021 and recently upheld by the state Supreme Court, provides actual teeth to back up these warnings. The law increases penalties for violent rioting and introduces new crimes like “mob intimidation.” More importantly for drivers caught in nightmare scenarios, it provides civil immunity for those claiming self-defense in incidents arising from riots. In other words, if you’re surrounded by a mob pounding on your car and you hit the gas to escape, Florida law has your back.

Florida Officials United in Zero Tolerance Approach

DeSantis isn’t the only Florida official drawing a line in the sand ahead of the planned demonstrations. State Attorney General James Uthmeier put it bluntly: “We are not California — we do not allow rioting in the state of Florida.” This unified front from state leadership sends a crystal clear message to anyone contemplating turning peaceful protests into violent melees. The stark contrast between Florida’s approach and the permissive policies seen in progressive strongholds couldn’t be more evident.

“If you throw a brick, a fire bomb, or point a gun at one of our deputies, we will be notifying your family where to collect your remains, because we will kill you, graveyard dead.” – Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey

Perhaps the most refreshing aspect of Florida’s stance is the defense of ordinary citizens’ rights against mob rule. While progressive leaders in other states seem content to sacrifice law-abiding citizens to appease violent demonstrators, DeSantis has prioritized the safety and rights of Floridians who simply want to drive through their communities without being dragged from their vehicles by angry mobs. What a novel concept—government officials actually protecting the people they serve rather than political agitators.

Defending Constitutional Rights While Preventing Chaos

Despite what the mainstream media might suggest, Florida’s position doesn’t undermine First Amendment protections. Public protests remain protected constitutional activities, provided they don’t block traffic or access to government buildings. The distinction is simple: peaceful assembly is protected; violent mob action is not. It’s a distinction that seems increasingly lost on leftist jurisdictions where “mostly peaceful” has become code for “partially on fire with occasional assaults.”

“If you’re 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 — 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.” – Gov. Ron DeSantis

As protests are scheduled to begin in Fort Lauderdale before spreading to Downtown Miami, Miami Beach, and Homestead, Florida’s law enforcement stands ready. The contrast couldn’t be clearer: while California police were ordered to stand down as mobs ran wild, Florida’s officials are unified in their commitment to maintaining order and protecting citizens’ rights. Former City of Miami Police Chief Jorge Colina offered practical advice for protestors to stay alert and aware of their surroundings—a refreshing acknowledgment that actions have consequences.

Common Sense Prevails in the Sunshine State

DeSantis’ approach to potential unrest represents something increasingly rare in American governance: common sense. The idea that citizens shouldn’t have to surrender their safety to appease violent mobs shouldn’t be controversial. The fact that it is tells you everything you need to know about the state of politics in left-wing strongholds. While Democrats scream about “fascism,” Florida quietly demonstrates what actual protection of civil rights looks like—preserving both the right to protest and the right to not be dragged from your car by angry mobs.

“We also have a policy that if you’re 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

As the weekend approaches and “No Kings” protests begin, we’ll see whether the clear warnings from Florida officials will prevent the chaos seen elsewhere. One thing is certain: unlike in California, New York, and other progressive havens where law-abiding citizens are left to fend for themselves, Floridians can take comfort knowing their state government values their safety over the feelings of violent agitators. In a nation increasingly divided between those who respect the rule of law and those who embrace mob rule, Florida has made its choice crystal clear.