Florida Governor Ron DeSantis delivered a stark warning to would-be looters in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, stating that Florida is a "Second Amendment state," where citizens are ready and able to protect their property, including with firearms. Speaking from the hard-hit community of Perry, DeSantis reminded the public that looters who attempt to take advantage of the disaster could face dire consequences, echoing previous statements made during similar crises in the state.
"This part of Florida, you’ve got a lot of advocates and proponents of the Second Amendment. You loot, we shoot,” DeSantis said during a press conference on October 8. The Governor's comments, aimed at deterring opportunistic crime during the hurricane recovery, reinforced the message that Floridians are armed and willing to defend their homes and businesses. DeSantis added, "You never know what's behind that door," underscoring the risks looters could face when breaking into properties in a state with a robust culture of gun ownership.
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DeSantis has issued similar warnings during previous hurricanes, including Idalia in 2023 and Ian in 2022, both of which saw widespread devastation across Florida. Following Hurricane Ian, more than two dozen arrests were made in Lee County for looting, though looting was relatively limited compared to other disasters. His stern rhetoric has become a signature response to natural disasters, where he emphasizes the state's commitment to law and order, backed by the Second Amendment rights of its citizens.
The Governor's approach to hurricane response also includes an emphasis on law enforcement readiness. Local police departments have increased patrols, and mandatory evacuations have been issued in many areas affected by Hurricane Milton. However, residents who choose to stay behind and protect their homes are, according to DeSantis, within their rights to defend their property with deadly force if necessary.
Governor Ron DeSantis warning to looters in Florida:
"If you think you're going to go in and loot, you've got another thing coming… You don't know what's behind that door in a Second Amendment state." pic.twitter.com/S5NiZQOFI3
— American Firearms Association (@2A_Freedom) October 9, 2024
During his press conference, DeSantis urged would-be looters to reconsider any plans to take advantage of the disaster, stating that while law enforcement will be holding criminals accountable, the risks go beyond arrest. “We are a law-and-order state, and we will not tolerate lawlessness in the aftermath of this storm,” he reiterated. He made it clear that the consequences for looters could be more severe depending on whether they encounter armed residents defending their homes.
These statements are consistent with DeSantis' long-standing commitment to protecting the Second Amendment and his belief that the right to bear arms is essential, especially in times of crisis. His rhetoric has resonated with many Florida residents, particularly those in rural and hurricane-prone areas, where gun ownership is common and self-defense is often viewed as a necessary measure during emergencies.
DeSantis' warning has sparked debate among critics and supporters. While some argue that the Governor’s rhetoric encourages violence, others see it as a necessary deterrent to prevent crime during vulnerable times. A similar debate arose during previous hurricanes, with critics cautioning against encouraging the use of deadly force for property crimes, while supporters applauded the Governor for prioritizing the safety of law-abiding citizens over criminals. Florida’s "stand your ground" law, which allows individuals to use deadly force if they believe they are in imminent danger, adds a legal layer to the Governor’s warnings, reinforcing the rights of citizens to defend themselves and their property.
As Florida continues its recovery from Hurricane Milton, the Governor's strong stance on looting serves as both a reminder of the state's robust self-defense laws and a warning to criminals seeking to exploit the situation. With mandatory evacuations and curfews in place, authorities are working hard to maintain order, but DeSantis made it clear that the armed citizenry is also ready to step in if needed.
