DeSantis Faces Fierce Backlash: Boos Erupt as He Addresses Shooting Vigil

Photo byPhoto by: Gage Skidmore

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was jeered when he approached the podium to speak at a prayer vigil for those killed in a shooting at a Dollar General in Jacksonville.  

Three victims were shot and killed by a 21-year-old gunman.

All the victims were black, and the gunman was white.

The prayer vigil is being held for the second time, this time at 2161 Kings Road, close to the Dollar General, where the shooting occurred.

Councilwoman Ju'Coby Pittman, who represents Jacksonville's District 10 and is slated to speak before the governor, denounced the violence and demanded increased state spending. 

Pittman noted that District 10, the shooting location, does not receive adequate state funds.

"Let's be honest, we don't get the money we should get," said Pittman, "but when I ask for some money this week ... we gonna get it."

After that, Pittman turned to the audience's civic leaders, including Sheriff T.K. Waters, who described Saturday's shooting as racially motivated. 

"I'm proud of what you did yesterday. Because guess what, you called a spade a spade, we cannot continue to hide behind," Pittman said.

The councilwoman then focused on Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who was seated among the audience. 

"Governor, I know you here, and you know what, I'm glad you're here so you can see the people and the impact it's had on this community," said Pittman. 

DeSantis was invited to the podium, where boos and sporadic applause greeted him. 

He began by approving Pittman's proposed increased state cash but was cut off in the middle. 

Councilwoman Pittman snatched the microphone off the stage to calm down members of the crowd who were not thrilled to see DeSantis. 

After requesting silence from the audience, Pittman returned the governor's microphone.

"Florida stands with the community. Help is on the way," DeSantis said as he addressed the crowd.

What do you think of the controversial reception DeSantis received at the vigil?

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