Fact Check: "Florida Governor Ron DeSantis encouraged members of the public who feel threatened by protests on Club World Cup matchday to drive through the crowds, suggesting that if they hit someone, it would be the protester's fault."
What We Know
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis made statements during an episode of the Rubin Report podcast that have garnered significant attention. He suggested that drivers who feel threatened by protesters have the right to drive through crowds and that if they hit someone, it would be the protester's fault. Specifically, he stated, “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” (NBC Miami, source-2).
This comment was made in the context of upcoming protests labeled "No Kings," which were organized to oppose perceived authoritarian actions by the Trump administration. DeSantis's remarks have raised concerns among legal experts about the implications of such statements on public safety and the responsibilities of drivers (Newsweek, source-4).
Analysis
The statements made by Governor DeSantis can be interpreted in multiple ways. On one hand, he appears to be advocating for the right of individuals to protect themselves when they feel threatened. This aligns with Florida's "stand your ground" laws, which allow individuals to use force when they perceive a threat (Yahoo News, source-6). Legal experts, however, caution that this does not grant a blanket permission to hit protesters simply for being present; the use of force must be proportional to the perceived threat (NBC Miami, source-2).
Critics argue that such comments could incite violence and create a dangerous precedent where individuals feel justified in using their vehicles as weapons against protesters. Miami defense attorney Mark Eiglarsh expressed concern, stating that while drivers have a responsibility to ensure their safety, they must also be aware of their surroundings and cannot simply hit protesters without justification (NBC Miami, source-2).
The reliability of the sources reporting on this incident is generally high, as they include established news organizations and legal experts. However, the framing of DeSantis's comments can vary depending on the outlet, which may introduce some bias in how the information is presented.
Conclusion
The claim that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis encouraged the public to drive through protesters and suggested that if they hit someone, it would be the protester's fault is True. His statements during the Rubin Report podcast clearly indicate that he believes individuals have the right to flee from perceived threats, including by driving through crowds of protesters. While he framed this as a matter of self-defense, the implications of such statements raise significant concerns regarding public safety and the potential for violence.
Sources
- Nursing Professor's Passion Inspires Immersive Study ... (https://www.fau.edu/newsdesk/articles/)
- Ahead of 'No Kings' protests, DeSantis says Florida drivers can hit ... (https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/desantis-says-in-podcast-florida-drivers-can-hit-protesters-to-flee-for-your-safety/3637117/)
- Stanley Cup 2024 - Edmonton Oilers vs. Florida Panthers (https://www.bvb-forum.de/index.php?mode=thread&id=2618472)
- Ron DeSantis says Floridians have right to hit protesters with cars (https://www.newsweek.com/ron-desantis-says-floridians-have-right-hit-protesters-cars-2084418)
- Hurrikan „Milton“ bedroht Florida - schwatzgelb.de - Forum (https://www.bvb-forum.de/index.php?mode=thread&id=2676277)
- Gov. Ron DeSantis said Florida drivers can hit protesters if ... (https://www.yahoo.com/news/fact-check-gov-ron-desantis-203100418.html)
- BVB-Newsthread vom 08.05.2025 - schwatzgelb.de - Forum (https://www.bvb-forum.de/index.php?mode=thread&id=2775984)
- Gov. Ron DeSantis said Florida drivers can hit protesters if they ... - MSN (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/gov-ron-desantis-said-florida-drivers-can-hit-protesters-if-they-fear-for-their-lives/ar-AA1GBBao)
