Florida police swiftly clear anti-Israel protesters blocking streets, setting example for other states

"Some of the crimes that may occur during a riot and are explicitly listed in the new legislation are: Willfully obstructing the free, convenient, and normal use of a public street, highway, or road by impeding, hindering, stifling, retarding, or restraining traffic or passage by standing on or remaining in the street, highway, or road, endangering the safe movement of vehicles or pedestrians," a local Florida news station reported when the law passed.

The law goes further, designating it a third-degree felony to obstruct traffic during an unauthorized protest and stating that drivers cannot be held liable for injuries or deaths caused when "fleeing for safety from a mob."

When he signed the bill, DeSantis framed it as supporting law enforcement and public safety, stating: "In Florida, we are taking an unapologetic stand for the rule of law and public safety. We are holding those who incite violence in our communities accountable, supporting our law enforcement officers who risk their lives every day to keep us safe and protecting Floridians from the chaos of mob violence."

In contrast, anti-Israel protesters succeeded in blocking major transportation routes in other states on Monday. In California, they blocked the Golden Gate Bridge and parts of Interstate 880 in Oakland for nearly five hours. In Seattle, demonstrators obstructed a road to the international airport, while in New York City they stormed the Brooklyn Bridge, halting traffic.