Jacksonville Shooting: Ron DeSantis Promises Help for Victims of Racist Attack, Critics Hit Back

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis finally reacted to the Jacksonville shooting. However, many pointed out that his policies may have led to this racist attack happening.

DeSantis was interrupted by jeers from the locals but quieted down after some urging from City Council member Ju'Coby Pittman. DeSantis, who has been threatening to lower the budget for state-funded colleges and universities that do not adhere to his anti-woke policies, then vowed to offer financial help to boost the security of Edward Waters College.

"We've already been looking to identify funds to be able to help make sure there is adequate security for Edward Waters College. We are not going to allow these institutions to be targeted by people," said the current presidential candidate.

He added that his administration has "already identified funds from the state of Florida" to fund these promises, according to Florida Politics

However, local leaders do not seem to be aboard with DeSantis, as State Rep. Angie Nixon called out the governor for his audacity" for even attending. She added that he needs to apologize for his part in the Jacksonville mass shooting as his policies on guns and race may have led to this moment.

DeSantis has moved far to the right as he runs for president, being embraced by white supremacists, with a white supremacist group recently showering the governor their praise and support while protesting outside Disney World, which he has been feuding with.

Critics Slam Ron DeSantis After the Jacksonville Shooting

Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters stated in a news conference that the Jacksonville shooting gunman "hated Black people," based on the shooter's social media posts.

Following the reveal of the shooter's racist intent, many pointed out that the Florida governor signed a law that allows people to carry concealed weapons without a government permit. According to Newsweek, critics accused him of "fueling hate in his state with laws and policies targeting the teaching of Black history."

"Hey, Ron DeSantis: We aren't forgetting about the permitless carry bill you signed," said Democrat Victor Shi. "Nor are we forgetting about the white nationalism & fascism you've bred with your attacks on Black history & the LGBTQ+ community. You have blood on your hands. We are going to make you find out."

Another Florida Democrat, Jon Cooper, noted, "A new law in Florida-in effect as of last month-allows gun owners to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. Who thinks Ron DeSantis and the GOP-controlled state legislature share the blame for today's mass shooting in Jacksonville?"

Critics Outside Florida Also Slam on Ron DeSantis over Jacksonville Mass Shooting

Critics outside of Florida also started piling on DeSantis after the racially-motivated mass shooting, with some calling him "an asinine governor attacking Black people, attacking Black history."

"I mean other nations have hate, but we're the only nation that keeps having mass shootings because of policy decisions and we don't have to live this way. We don't have to live this way anymore," stated Tennessee State Rep. Justin Jones, one of the Tennessee Three.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Gov. DeSantis booed at Jacksonville prayer vigil for victims of mass shooting - First Coast News