A Florida human rights group staged a sit-in outside of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ (R) office to protest the state’s string of conservative laws, that they described as “right wing attempts to dismantle democracy.” Dream Defenders, an activist group established in the wake of the 2012 killing of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Fla., is demanding a meeting with DeSantis and vowed to stay“until DeSantis comes to speak to us.” In a press release, Dream Defenders said they hoped the protest would also inspire other states “to take action against the right wing attempts to dismantle democracy.” The Associated Press has the story:
Protestors arrested at DeSantis’ Capitol office
Newslooks- TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP)
About a dozen people were arrested while protesting in Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Florida Capitol Office, officials said.
The 14 arrested were charged with misdemeanor trespass and were booked into the Leon County Jail, Florida Department of Law Enforcement spokeswoman Gretl Plessinger told the Tallahassee Democrat.
“Once the building closes, unless you have an office in the Capitol, you’re not allowed to be here,” Plessinger said, citing Department of Management Services policy.
The arrests were made by the Florida Capitol Police and Florida Highway Patrol, she said.
The protestors said they refused to leave until they had a meeting with the governor. The protest was organized by a human rights group called the Dream Defenders.
A number of controversial bills have been passed and signed into law this legislative session, which ends Friday. They include an abortion ban, illegal immigration restrictions and legislation targeting drags shows, the LGBTQ community and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
