Governor DeSantis activates Florida National Guard in response to possible protests

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order Friday activating the state National Guard after reports of “potential civil unrest.”

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The order comes after Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey urged DeSantis to do so, citing reports of potential violence at state capitols across the country leading up to President-Elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.

It calls on the Florida Guard to work with The Florida Department of Law Enforcement as part of its coordination with State Capitol operations to “protect the state, its citizens, and public buildings and property” from any potential civil unrest.

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The order goes into effect immediately and will remain in place through at least Jan. 24, or as soon as FDLE no longer requires National Guard assistance.

Mayor Dailey says authorities aren’t aware of any specific threats to Tallahassee.

Cox Media Group