DeSantis Late to Speak Out Against Anti-Semitism
Images and clips of people in Orlando wearing Nazi symbols while saluting and shouting at passing cars sent shock waves through Florida this weekend. Orange County Sheriff John Mina vowed on Twitter to investigate any criminal activity. DeSantis spokeswoman Christina Pushaw posted and then deleted a tweet questioning if the demonstrators were actually Democrats in disguise. DeSantis did not made a public statement about the incidents until asked about them Monday afternoon at a news conference to address Everglades funding.
In response, following the rallies, DeSantis denounced Democrats whom he accuses of pinning the rallies on him.
While other Florida political leaders, including many Republicans, publicly condemned the gathering, DeSantis had not, sparking some criticism of the governor on social media. DeSantis said those critics were trying to “use this as some type of political issue,” adding: “We’re not playing their game.” Democratic candidates for governor immediately reacted to DeSantis’ news conference.
US Rep. Charlie Crist wrote on Twitter:
“It should be easy, Ron. Condemn the Nazis.”
