Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is taking matters into his own hands following the second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Rather than waiting for the federal government, which seems more interested in prosecuting Trump than protecting him, DeSantis has announced an independent investigation. This comes after the shocking incident unfolded on Florida soil, making it a local issue that deserves local scrutiny.
During an appearance on Fox News, DeSantis wasted no time in laying out his reasons for the state-led investigation. He pointed out significant conflicts of interest that reside within the FBI and the Department of Justice, agencies that have shown a clear bias against Trump. DeSantis emphasized that Florida has a right to understand the motivations behind the assailant and to uncover how this major breach of security could happen in the first place. The people of Florida, he argued, should not have to rely on agencies that are too busy trying to dismantle Trump’s legacy to adequately protect their own.
Tonight I joined Jesse Watters to discuss Florida's investigation of the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. pic.twitter.com/toMzi0EQo5
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) September 17, 2024
The governor made it clear that he has a strong sense of where this attempt on Trump’s life took place. He recalled his personal experiences playing golf with the former president and pinpointed a particularly vulnerable area at the golf course. DeSantis suggested that this treacherous spot, hidden among shrubs, would have offered the assailant a clear line of sight to target Trump. His immediate connection to the course underscores his commitment to finding out how such a dangerous individual managed to infiltrate a location visited by the former president.
Questions abound regarding how someone could have accessed the grounds, and DeSantis is determined to seek answers. The rapid escalation from a potential shootout to a directed assassination attempt raises serious concerns about the current state of security protocols meant to protect high-profile figures. While grateful for the Secret Service’s intervention, the governor expressed disbelief that someone could remain undetected for so long. These are clear signs that the security arrangements need an overhaul, and the investigation aims to expose the failures.
DeSantis also addressed a broader issue concerning the rhetoric from the political left, which he blames for increasing instances of political violence. He suggested that the toxic narrative pushed by Democrats contributes to a climate where individuals may feel driven to justify violent actions against political figures. The governor’s assertion that alarming, apocalyptic stories about the state of American democracy amplify threats to Trump is a stark reminder of the consequences of incendiary language in political discourse.
As the investigation unfolds, the cooperation of the Secret Service and the DOJ remains to be seen. However, DeSantis’ proactive approach is a refreshing change from the usual bureaucratic inaction, signaling a commitment to ensure the safety of all Floridians—and particularly those who have served as president. The necessity for an independent inquiry speaks volumes about public trust in federal agencies and the urgent need for accountability in safeguarding democracy.