A video indicates that pro-Palestinian demonstrators blocked a Miami road, prompting Florida police to intervene.
As part of larger nationwide pro-Palestinian demonstrations on Monday afternoon, dozens of demonstrators allegedly attempted to barricade Port Miami. To stop the demonstrators from moving further, however, police arrived in what WSVN characterized as “riot gear, on horseback, and on motorcycles.”
Take notes NYC, Chicago, San Francisco, and D.C.
Letting protestors obstruct your roadways is a choice. https://t.co/WH9yELtvnb
— Heritage Foundation (@Heritage) April 15, 2024
A video shows police yanking demonstrators off the road by force. State troopers and armored cars also responded to the gathering.
Bryan Griffin, the communications director for Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL), shared the following video on social media and stated, “In Florida, we haul these folks out of the road and jail them”:
The Heritage Foundation shared the video and stated, “Take note, NYC, Chicago, San Francisco, and D.C.”
It also stated, “Letting demonstrators clog your roadways is a decision,” while other commenters highlighted how quickly law enforcement in the Sunshine State responded in contrast to other states and localities dealing with comparable protests:
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement declared in a statement on X that “Florida is a law and order state under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis.”
“We will not permit demonstrators to obstruct roads or entrances. I appreciate the Miami Police Department’s efforts to keep Miami safe. It also stated:
Seven people were detained “due to impeding traffic and refusing to remain in the approved area,” according to Miami Police, who were cited by WSVN.
DeSantis signed HB 1, often known as the “Anti-Riot Bill,” in 2021. The bill primarily addressed the push to defund the police. A driver “is not liable for injury or even death caused if fleeing for safety from a mob,” according to an informational pamphlet from the DeSantis office about the “Combatting Violence, Disorder, and Looting and Law Enforcement Protection Act.” It also states that it is a “3rd degree felony to obstruct traffic with an unpermitted protest or violent assembly.”
