Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Says Drivers Have Right to Hit Protesters Surrounded by Mob for Self-Defense Ahead of Nationwide Protests

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has stated that drivers in the state have the legal right to defend themselves if they are threatened by protesters blocking roadways. DeSantis explained that if a mob surrounds a vehicle and threatens the driver, the driver is entitled to flee for their safety, even if that means driving through the crowd and hitting protesters. He emphasized that if a driver hits someone while escaping, it is the fault of the protesters for impeding the vehicle. This policy reflects a zero-tolerance stance on riots and aggressive road blockades in Florida. DeSantis made these remarks during a podcast interview and multiple public statements, affirming that Floridians do not have to be passive or “sitting ducks” when confronted by violent mobs. The governor’s comments come ahead of planned nationwide protests, including events in Florida, and have been widely reported and discussed in various media outlets. The policy effectively authorizes residents to use their vehicles as a means of self-defense against protesters who aggressively block streets or threaten drivers' safety.