DeSantis returns to Florida amidst twin crises.
DeSantis Arrives Back in Florida as Dual Crises Erupt
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has put his presidential campaign appearances on hold to address pressing issues at home. The state is currently grappling with the aftermath of a racist fatal shooting in Jacksonville and preparing for an approaching tropical storm.
After a day in Iowa, DeSantis returned to Tallahassee, the state capital, for a news conference on Tropical Storm Idalia. He emphasized the importance of following the guidance of emergency managers to ensure the safety of Floridians.
In addition, DeSantis expressed his condolences and strongly condemned the killing of three black customers inside a Dollar General store by a white man. Authorities discovered a suicide note, a will, and writings containing racist material left behind by the perpetrator.
Later, DeSantis attended a vigil outside the store where the tragic shootings occurred. While addressing the crowd, the Republican governor referred to the gunman as a “scumbag” and made it clear that racist violence would not be tolerated in Florida.
JUST IN: Governor Ron DeSantis again condemns the “horrific racially-motivated murders perpetrated by a deranged scumbag” at Dollar General in Jacksonville yesterday.
“Targeting people due to their race has no place in the state of Florida.” pic.twitter.com/YWybNkP0Tb
— Chris Nelson (@ReOpenChris) August 27, 2023
Due to the ongoing crises, DeSantis has made the decision to cancel his campaign events in South Carolina. However, his wife, Casey DeSantis, is still expected to attend a barbecue on his behalf.
DeSantis affirmed his commitment to Florida during a news conference, stating, ”We’re locked in on this. We’re going to get the job done. This is important. So people can rest assured.” The state is actively mobilizing personnel and resources to prepare for the approaching storm.
While DeSantis focuses on the challenges at hand, he remains in second place for the Republican nomination, trailing behind former President Donald Trump.
The storm’s path is directed towards Florida, adding to the gravity of the situation following the Dollar General shooting. The incident, which resulted in the death of the 21-year-old gunman, is being investigated as a hate crime.
DeSantis’ stance on race-related issues has been a subject of controversy during his tenure as governor. He faced criticism for his defense of new public school curriculum on black history, and he has banned critical race theory from Florida classrooms.
At the vigil in Jacksonville, Democratic City Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman addressed DeSantis directly, acknowledging his presence and the impact the shooting has had on the community. Some members of the crowd expressed their dissatisfaction, but DeSantis reiterated his condemnation of the gunman’s actions and his commitment to preventing racial targeting.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
The post DeSantis Arrives Back in Florida as Dual Crises Erupt appeared first on The Western Journal.
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