As Tropical Storm Milton gains momentum, storming towards Florida’s western shoreline, Governor Ron DeSantis has delivered a stark warning to any individual harboring intentions of capitalizing on the vulnerability of abandoned residences or commercial properties as a result of the storm. He echoed his warning in a stern tone, ‘Think twice before engaging in such illicit activity. Expect a swift retaliation from us that would yield severe consequences.’
The Republican leader’s words came rivering from a press briefing at Tallahassee on a recent Wednesday morning. He painted a grim picture of the storm’s projected impact, stating, ‘This cyclone will wreck substantial havoc. There’ll be numerous exploitable circumstances – let there be no mistake.’
Governor DeSantis, in his bold statement, specifically warned against opportunist looters looking to exploit the disaster-stricken area. Sending across a clear message, DeSantis with a stern expression said, ‘Even thinking of such a crime should be off the table, as we plan to retort with substantial force. Regretting the action would be an understatement.’
To fortify the state against such unprincipled lawlessness in the chaotic hours following the storm, a mass of enforcement personnel has been mobilized. The governor shared that in excess of 500 peace officers from nearby states have been conscripted to ensure orderly conduct in the pandemonium that would ensue in the aftermath of the advancing Category 3 hurricane.
Times of natural disasters have repeatedly proven to serve as fertile grounds for dishonest individuals hoping to seize wealth dishonestly from residential and commercial properties deserted by their occupants pursuing safer refuge. The aftermath of a catastrophe often evokes a lawless atmosphere allowing malpractice to run rampant.
The macabre history of crime following natural disasters found potent expression in the case of Hurricane Katrina back in 2005. The devastating event was further marred by crime as looters exploited the state of emergency, pillaging local businesses in New Orleans, relieving them of valuable items.
The minute records of the Katrina catastrophe covered instances where criminals smashed through glass barriers and got hold of all types of costly items. They blindsided everything, including bins overflowing with clothes and precious ornaments. This wanton destruction and criminal behavior left a mark of further ruin in the city already devastated by the disaster.
Stolen items varied in size and importance, from large furniture pieces all the way down to small trinkets. Looters targeted a wide array of businesses, from corner stores to large commercial enterprises. The quantity and variety of stolen goods highlighted the scale and audacity of these illicit operations.
Shockingly, the boldness of these crimes was evident as numerous acts of theft occurred in broad daylight, under the watch of law enforcement officers and National Guard troops. However, these security personnel were already overwhelmed with disaster management and mitigating the immediate impacts of the hurricane that brought the city to its knees.
As a result, their primary focus had to be on rescue and relief, leaving little room for the immediate prevention of theft and vandalism. Their inability to curb such illegal activities further exacerbated the calamity, adding salt to the wounds of the city and its infrastructure.
The lack of immediate retaliation from law enforcement wasn’t a sign of indifference; rather, it underscored the enormity of the ambush that Katrina was. It highlighted the dire need for all hands on deck primarily for rescue and assistance, inadvertently relegating crime prevention to the back seat.
The measures taken by Governor DeSantis in Florida appear to be aimed at preventing a similar scenario here. The Governor is determined to ensure that their primary focus will be on human safety and damage control, not diverted by the challenges of maintaining law and order.
By enlisting the support of an extra 500 law enforcement officers from neighboring states, Florida hopes to dissuade potential opportunists and thereby create an atmosphere of security and order, even in the face of imminent catastrophe. The Governor’s stern warning not only serves as a deterrent but also sends a reassuring message to the residents: the state is geared up to protect both their lives and their properties.
Gov. DeSantis issues stark warning to potential looters in the aftermath of hurricane Milton.
“If you think you’re going to go in and loot, you’ve got another thing coming.”pic.twitter.com/6OiHf1RwyE
— Defiant L’s (@DefiantLs) October 9, 2024