On Monday, Florida Governor Rick Scott declared a state of emergency in Alachua County and Gainesville, home of the University of Florida. On Thursday, Alt-Right speaker Richard Spencer is scheduled to give a speech at the campus, after winning a legal battle earlier this month.
Governor Scott wrote in the order, “I find that the threat of a potential emergency is imminent.” The state of emergency declaration activates Florida’s Mutual Aid Plan and will “quickly coordinate resources from other state, county and municipal law enforcement agencies.”
Apparently, the Alachua County Sheriff had requested the state of emergency to receive help from state law enforcement on campus, as protestors are expected to cause violence.
According to a statement provided by the governor’s office, Scott said: “We live in a country where everyone has the right to voice their opinion. However, we have zero tolerance for violence and public safety is always our number one priority. I have been in constant contact with Sheriff Darnell who has requested this Executive Order to ensure that county and local law enforcement have every needed resource. This executive order is an additional step to ensure that the University of Florida and the entire community is prepared so everyone can stay safe.”
This story is developing…