Dem Council Woman Hits Back When Crowds Boos DeSantis
Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida made a public appearance at Jacksonville’s prayer vigil on Sunday, following a racially-motivated shooting at a Dollar General store that resulted in the deaths of three black people. While some members of the audience voiced their disapproval of the Governor’s presence, others, including Jacksonville Democrat Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman, were more welcoming.
During the event, DeSantis said his office had already identified funds from the state of Florida to be used to provide additional security for Edward Waters College, a historically black college in the area. He also mentioned his dedication to protecting Jewish schools from anti-Semitic violence.
“We are not going to let people be targeted based on their race,” he said. “We are going to stand up and we are going to do what we need to do to make sure that evil does not triumph in the state of Florida.”
In response to DeSantis’ words, Pittman spoke to the audience about how the city was “putting parties aside” because “a bullet don’t know a party” and that she would accept the Governor’s “gifts” to address the issues of security.
“If the governor wanted to come here, and he bringing gifts to my community, y’all know I’m taking the gifts, because we’ve been through enough already,” she said.
The Governor’s appearance at the vigil came at a time when the city was still reeling from the shooting. Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry released a statement on Saturday that expressed his “grief and sorrow” for the victims and their families and noted that the shooter was “driven by hate.”
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office arrested the shooter, a white male, and charged him with multiple counts of attempted murder and hate crimes. DeSantis’ office publicized a statement condemning the attempted murder, as well as “noting all too often African Americans continue to be targeted for hate.”
DeSantis’ presence at the prayer vigil was a stark display of solidarity for the victims and their families. His speech demonstrated his commitment to the idea that violence and hate should not be tolerated in the state of Florida. It remains to be seen how he will lead moving forward, and ensure that the victims’ families get the justice and support they need.