In recent events that have sparked debate, Florida’s laws regarding protesters blocking streets were on full display as police officers showed pro-Hamas demonstrators why they should keep to areas where people are not commuting. Footage of the encounters delighted those who prefer less obnoxious ways of expressing dissent and dismayed those advocating against Israel.
The recent altercations occurred in Miami and Tampa where pro-Hamas protesters tried to block traffic, believing this would somehow turn residents into raving antisemites arguing in favor of Israel’s destruction.
Video clips show Miami police officers dragging the radical leftists, some of whom had tethered themselves to each other, off the streets like sacks of flour and dumping them on the sidewalks before they could successfully block the PortMiami entrance. Arrests were made soon after.
In Florida, we drag these people out of the road and arrest them. pic.twitter.com/XU6ZUUf9xX
— Bryan Griffin (@BryanDGriffin) April 15, 2024
Florida’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles declared on X that “anyone who blocks traffic will be immediately arrested.”
In Florida, anyone who blocks traffic will be immediately arrested. 🚔
— FLHSMV (@FLHSMV) April 15, 2024
This includes any act that obstructs the normal flow of traffic, such as standing, approaching, or endangering the safe movement of vehicles or pedestrians. https://t.co/AY61FqTpec
This was a much different outcome from what happened in San Francisco when pro-Hamas protesters were allowed to shut down the Golden Gate Bridge.
Law enforcement responded to the scene, but it appeared they chose to do nothing, at least at the time of the above video. You can see police cars lined up on the opposite side of the divider but no one is being arrested. Instead, the protesters are seen continuing their illegality, shouting on bull horns and waving their banners. Given how far-left San Francisco is, I would suspect that the police didn't have clearance to move in and remove the protesters.
Both directions of the Golden Gate Bridge have been shut down due to a Pro-Palestinian protest. Demonstrators have blocked the southbound direction of Highway 101. This is the second protest causing major back-ups on Bay Area roadways, the demonstration has blocked northbound… pic.twitter.com/oO5dMCvqFD
— ABC7 News (@abc7newsbayarea) April 15, 2024
Florida’s laws regarding protesters who resort to blocking traffic represent a perfect balance between protecting the rights of those trying to get to and from their destinations and those who seek to shout at the top of their lungs about how horrible Israel is for defending itself against terrorists.
Those seeking to protest can still do so – they just can’t infringe on the rights of people to travel where they wish. At the same time, Florida’s government is not stopping these people from holding their demonstrations in areas that are not impeding travel. This is an effective way to govern that does not involve the violation of any rights.
However, in other states, this issue will only get worse as the pro-Hamas elements in America become more brazen. This could prompt these states to enact similar policies to stop these people from harassing motorists. Of course, the exceptions are states like California and New York, whose governments would rather allow these people to bully folks who are just trying to get to work.
Still, it is a positive sign that those seeking to cause chaos are being exposed while states take action to stop their shenanigans.
