Speaking from Perry, Florida Wednesday afternoon in the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia, Republican presidential candidate and Governor Ron DeSantis warned criminals against looting and promised consequences for doing so.
"We are not gonna tolerate any looting in the aftermath," DeSantis said, noting that signs in yards that say "You loot, we shoot" should be taken seriously. "People have a right to defend their property."
"In this part of Florida, you've got a lot of advocates and proponents of the Second Amendment," he continued.
DESANTIS WARNS LOOTERS AFTER #IDALIA: "We are not gonna tolerate any looting in the aftermath."
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) August 30, 2023
"You never know what you're walking into [...] This part of Florida - you got a lot of advocates and proponents of the 2nd Amendment [...] 'You loot, we shoot.'" pic.twitter.com/beEzGum7Ba
Back in Tallahassee, First Lady Casey DeSantis had a close call with the storm after a massive oak tree fell on the Governor's Mansion.
100 year old oak tree falls on the Governor’s Mansion in Tallahassee — Mason, Madison, Mamie and I were home at the time, but thankfully no one was injured.
— Casey DeSantis (@CaseyDeSantis) August 30, 2023
Our prayers are with everyone impacted by the storm. pic.twitter.com/l6MOE8wNMC
As Idalia continues to make its way up the east coast, officials are urging caution in the aftermath.
Floridians should take precautions to keep themselves & their families safe as Hurricane #Idalia makes its way through FL:
— FL Division of Emergency Management (@FLSERT) August 30, 2023
⚠️ Don't go outside until the storm has passed
⚠️ Stay away from downed power lines
⚠️ Never walk or drive through flooded watershttps://t.co/nfDMe4H80e pic.twitter.com/Bzu51DVjm0