Florida Governor Rick Scott has heightened security preparedness, with the state preparing for the appearance of white supremacist Richard Spencer later this week. Spencer, who shot to fame after a protester punched him, is slated to appear at the University of Florida. As a result, Scott decided to allocate security resources in anticipation of violence breaking out during the white supremacist's event.
Spencer has been holding white supremacist rallies in the US
In Summer, Spencer attended the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville. The rally was attended by hundreds of white supremacists, neo-Nazis, members of the racist group the KKK, and proponents of the American "alternate right." The Charlottesville rally turned violent, leading to the death of a female anti-fascist activist after a 20-year-old man deliberately plowed his car into a crowd of Antifa protesters.
According to The Independent and The Washington Post, the Florida Governor said that his executive order is meant to ensure that the University of Florida and the entire community stays safe during Spencer's event. In a statement. Scott stated that he has talked with the area's Sheriff, who requested the imposition of the executive order to ensure that adequate support is allocated to law enforcement officers. While Scott admitted that every US citizen has the right to express themselves, Florida has zero tolerance for violence; and that public safety is his main priority.
Spencer's speech could lead to violence
In his seven-page executive order, the governor said that there is an "imminent" threat of a potential emergency during Spencer's speech.
He added that due to security concerns, it is necessary to come up with a coordinated security plan for state and local security agencies before Spencer's speech goes ahead. Reacting to Scott's order, Spencer said that the while flattering, the decision was "most likely overkill." The university's president, Kent Fuchs urged students not to attend the rally.
He said that Spencer should not be showered with attention and that his "message of hate" should be ignored. Fuchs, however, added that the law allows Spencer to voice his opinion. He said that the University welcomes people from all places, origins, and religions and that its campuses do not share values with the white supremacist.
In August, a group led by Spencer requested to rent space at the University of Florida but was turned down. The university will spend an upwards of $500,000 on security during the speech. Earlier this month, the white supremacist led a gang of approximately 40 men in Charlottesville. Carrying Tiki torches, the group gathered around the monument of Confederate soldier General Robert Lee. The memorial was later brought down.
