Fact Check: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said drivers who are threatened won’t be held responsible if they hit protesters.

Fact Check: "Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said drivers who are threatened won’t be held responsible if they hit protesters."

What We Know

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently made a statement regarding the rights of drivers who encounter protesters blocking roads. During a podcast appearance, he asserted that if a driver feels threatened by a mob surrounding their vehicle, they have the right to "flee for your safety." He emphasized that if a driver hits a protester in such a scenario, it is the protester's fault for impinging on the driver's safety. This statement aligns with a Florida law enacted in 2021, which was designed to address protests that disrupt public order, particularly in the wake of protests following the murder of George Floyd (New York Times, YouTube).

Analysis

DeSantis's comments reflect a broader legislative trend in Florida aimed at discouraging protests that block roadways. The law he referenced allows for a legal defense if a driver feels threatened by protesters. Critics, including civil liberties advocates, have raised concerns that such laws could potentially criminalize peaceful protests and lead to dangerous situations where drivers might feel justified in using their vehicles as weapons against protesters (New York Times, Tallahassee.com).

The reliability of the sources reporting on DeSantis's statements is generally high. The New York Times is a well-established news organization known for its rigorous journalistic standards. The context provided by the podcast and subsequent news coverage suggests that DeSantis's remarks were not taken out of context and reflect his administration's stance on handling protests (New York Times, YouTube).

However, it is important to note that the Florida Supreme Court has previously ruled that nonviolent protesters cannot be held criminally liable under certain provisions of the law, indicating a complex legal landscape surrounding these issues (New York Times). This ruling suggests that while DeSantis's comments may reflect the law's intent, the actual legal implications may vary based on specific circumstances.

Conclusion

The claim that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated that drivers who feel threatened by protesters will not be held responsible if they hit them is True. His comments were made in the context of a specific law aimed at protecting drivers in situations where they feel their safety is at risk due to protests. While the law has faced criticism for potentially undermining peaceful protest rights, DeSantis's assertion aligns with the legal framework established in Florida.

Sources

1. Florida – Wikipedia
2. DeSantis Promises a Crackdown Against Unruly Protesters
3. Florida - Simple English Wikipedia
4. DeSantis says Florida drivers can hit protesters to 'flee for ...
5. Florida-matkaopas - Kerran elämässä
6. Fla Gov. DeSantis OKs running over No Kings protesters if ...
7. Matkat Florida, Yhdysvallat | Aurinkomatkat
8. The “No Kings” Protest and Governor DeSantis' Warning