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Several Democratic state lawmakers denounced a new legislative proposal by Gov. Ron DeSantis to crack down on protests that turn violent or destructive.

In a Zoom press conference Tuesday afternoon, they said the violent acts are already illegal.

Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith of Orlando called it a “desperate ploy” by DeSantis to distract from failures on COVID-19 and unemployment.

“For him, nothing is more important than helping Trump in an effort to make Floridians believe that it’s black and brown peaceful protesters against injustice who are a bigger threat to them than the failed Trump-DeSantis response to coronavirus,” he said.

Rep. Shevrin Jones of Broward County said America was shaped through peaceful protest.

“And to the governor,” Jones said, “with all due respect, sir, you’ve just declared war on our civil rights. And the people that’s on here, we are prepared to strap up our boots and, in the spirit of John Lewis, and get in some good trouble.”

On Monday, DeSantis announced legislative proposals to ratchet up penalties when assemblies turn violent or destructive, damage monuments, block roadways or harass people in restaurants.

The proposed legislation would shield drivers who kill protesters while fleeing and would defund local governments that cut police budgets.

Today I announced bold legislation that creates new criminal offenses and increases penalties for those who target law enforcement and participate in violent or disorderly assemblies. We will always stand with our men and women in uniform who keep our communities safe. pic.twitter.com/ITl5GmmrZJ

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) September 21, 2020