TAMPA, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis thanked state and local leaders in an effort to keep people safe during a weekend of unrest and protests after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody.
The governor, who recently mobilized 100 National Guard members to Tampa, said he's been in touch with leaders across the state and in law enforcement to ensure safety and protect property.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said those Guard members were activated as a "preventative move" to be stationed at different locations across the city considered "high-value" targets of looters and agitators.
Castor added they might, too, move to areas where officials received information of potential vandalism.
In a statement, DeSantis said recent violent activity has no place in Florida.
"Florida has zero tolerance for violence, rioting and looting. George Floyd’s murder was appalling, and the Minnesota perpetrators need to be brought to justice, but this cannot be used as a pretext for violence in our Florida communities.
"I am in constant contact with state and local leaders, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Florida National Guard and the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). We have devoted significant resources, including the mobilization of 700 Florida National Guard soldiers who are specially trained to support law enforcement.
"I have also worked with FHP to coordinate more than 1,300 sworn Florida Highway Patrol troopers to support local law enforcement efforts. We will continue to do everything necessary to keep residents safe," DeSantis' statement reads, in part.
"I thank these leaders for their continued partnership and efforts to keep Floridians safe."
Protests Monday in St. Petersburg have been peaceful as people gather in front of the police department.
What other people are reading right now:
- Independent autopsy says George Floyd died from 'asphyxiation from sustained pressure'
- What you need to know about Tampa's curfew
- George Floyd's son denounces violent protests, says they are 'not going to solve anything'
- St. Petersburg police arrest 14 people following protests
- More than 20 people arrested in Tampa after Sunday protests
- Minneapolis police: No evidence yet that semi driver intentionally drove into protesters
- Gov. Ron DeSantis deploys 100 National Guard members to Tampa
FREE 10 TAMPA BAY APP:
►Stay In the Know! Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter
