Press Conference For Gov. DeSantis Being Set Up in Front of Pro-Palestine Protesters

On May 8 at 1:00 a.m., rumors began swirling around the ongoing protest at the University of Florida (UF) Plaza of the Americas that Gov. Ron DeSantis would be holding a press conference in front of them. The protest is calling for UF to disclose their divestments and sanction all ties with Israeli-backed programs and initiatives. 

With an article from WFLA, the rumors of the press conference are confirmed. It states, “DeSantis will speak at the University of Florida alongside State University Chancellor Ray Rodrigues and Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Director Dave Kerner.”

It appears the press conference will be happening in front of the protest as state troopers have been spotted in the area and employees are setting up barricades. 

Some protesters have decided to leave amidst heightened fears after the arrest of nine protesters last week. As of 7:30 a.m., there are less than a dozen protesters on the scene, and it’s unclear if they are mobilizing any action. 

Update 9:19 a.m. | The presence of both protesters and police has increased heavily. Roughy three dozen state troopers are posted around a barricade in front of Library West. Several units of University of Florida Police Department (UFPD) officers have been seen dispersing around the area.

As of this writing, Gov. DeSantis has not arrived on the scene. His incoming presence has not swayed the protesters, with several more arriving in front of Library West at the Plaza of the Americas.

Update 9:30 a.m. | Over two dozen protesters have approached the barricades, holding signs and Palestinian flags.

Update 9:56 a.m. | Gov. DeSantis has arrived with UF Pres. Ben Sasse. Protesters are chanting “Ronny Ronny you can’t hide, you’re supporting genocide,” and “Disclose, divest, we will not stop we will not rest.”