Ben Frazier, an activist, has been arrested earlier today for refusing to leave Ron DeSantis’ news conference. His refusal led to an argument between him and staffers. Police were called upon and they got him handcuffed and arrested.
Community members of Jacksonville, are angry over Gov. Ron DeSantis’ handling of the pandemic — and other related issues — they made their voices heard on Tuesday morning, this was what triggered the Governor to hold the press statement.
One staffer asked Frazier to leave the room but he refused, saying he had a right to be in the public space.
“We’re not moving. Go and get the governor,” Frazier said defiantly to one of the staffers.
The manager of the facility then came in asking to see everyone’s press credentials — as a uniformed offer stood in the middle of the room.
This sparked a vocal response from the activists, who declined to leave.
“There’s nothing private about public health,” Frazier said.
Another staffer then came out offering a business card for the governor’s communications office so she could “get something arranged” and “make sure that it’s constructive.”
Another one of Gov.’s staffers is saying they can talk to the Governor at another time. There are people here from Northside Coalition, Take Em Down Jax, Harriet Tubman Freedom Fighters & Florida Rising. @FCN2go pic.twitter.com/AEzKDWjGbG
— Leah Shields (@LeahShieldsNews) January 4, 2022
“We appreciate that,” Frazier said, “but this is a public building, and we don’t intend on moving.”
Soon after Ben Frazier was handcuffed and he could be heard asking why they were doing so.
Watch video below:
JSO putting Ben Frazier in a cruiser. Fellow protestors say they haven’t heard a reason for his arrest. One other journalist tells me he heard JSO says he is “only be detained.” @FCN2go https://t.co/bbVMoI63DT pic.twitter.com/ADH3Tgm5IB
— Leah Shields (@LeahShieldsNews) January 4, 2022
#BREAKING Police are arresting Ben Frazier for not leaving the building. @FCN2go pic.twitter.com/22BI8vdJQd
— Leah Shields (@LeahShieldsNews) January 4, 2022
