Following the news that respected civil rights leader, activist, and journalist Ben Frazier was arrested for exercising his First Amendment rights at a press conference convened by Governor Ron DeSantis at the Duval County Department of Health, Florida Democratic Party Chair Manny Díaz issued the following statement:
“What happened to Ben Frazier today was not only unjust, but un-American. While peacefully exercising his First Amendment rights in a public building, Mr. Frazier was removed in handcuffs and placed in the back of a patrol car. To add insult to injury, Mr. Frazier, who is disabled, was not even permitted to use his electric wheelchair to leave.
“Sadly, in Ron DeSantis’ Florida, constitutional rights only seem to be respected for people who agree with the Governor and his political agenda. The First Amendment exists so that citizens like Mr. Frazier can hold their government accountable without fear of retribution. Governor DeSantis should issue an apology to Mr. Frazier and ensure that no Floridian is ever subject to such a miscarriage of justice again.”