DeSantis heckled at vigil, defended by Dem official.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis faced a mix of applause and boos on Sunday as he spoke at a prayer vigil following a racially-motivated attack that claimed the lives of three black individuals.
Stepping up to the podium, Mr. DeSantis, a Republican running in the 2024 presidential primary, addressed the crowd about his plans to enhance security at Edward Waters College, a historically black institution. However, the booing continued.
“Councilwoman, I got you. Don’t worry about it,” Mr. DeSantis assured Democrat Jacksonville Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman. “We’ve already been looking to identify funds to help ensure adequate security for Edward Waters College. We will not allow these institutions to be targeted.”
Ms. Pittman intervened, urging the crowd to put aside political differences in the face of tragedy. “We’re finna put parties aside because it ain’t about parties today,” she declared in defense of the governor. “A bullet doesn’t know a party. So, don’t get me started… now y’all, y’all just be quiet a minute and let the governor say what he’s going to say and we’re going to get this party started. You hear me?”
Following Ms. Pittman’s intervention, the heckling subsided, and Mr. DeSantis continued to address the shooting and his efforts to protect Edward Waters College. He expressed his commitment to campus security and assisting the families of the victims.
DeSantis Condemns Racist Violence
The shooting suspect, identified as 21-year-old Ryan Palmeter, had reportedly approached Edward Waters University before carrying out the attack. The university went into lockdown, and a security guard confronted the suspect, prompting him to retreat to his car. Shortly after leaving the university, the suspect arrived at a nearby Dollar General store and opened fire on customers.
At 1:53 p.m., the suspect’s parents contacted the Clay County sheriff’s office after receiving a text message from their son at 1:18 p.m., indicating his intentions in a manifesto. Unfortunately, the police response came too late.
Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters revealed that the suspect had released multiple manifestos, revealing his racially motivated motives for the attack. Although not affiliated with any larger group, the shooter harbored a deep hatred for black people. The victims—Anolt Joseph Laguerre Jr., Jerrald Gallion, and Angela Michelle Carr—were all black.
“The fact of the matter is, you know, you had a major league scumbag come from Clay County up here and what he d
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