MIAMI, Florida – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticized former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley for her comments on the murder of George Floyd, a Black man killed by a white police officer in May 2020. After Floyd’s death, Haley shared her thoughts on social media, calling it “personal and painful for every American.”
DeSantis, speaking at a GOP debate, referred to the protests following Floyd’s murder as “the worst rioting in the modern history of this country.” He accused Haley of “virtue-signaling to the left” and “trying to impress people who are never going to like us.”
Both DeSantis and Haley have been vocal in their opposition to the Black Lives Matter movement. Haley defended herself against DeSantis’ criticism, pointing to her experiences in handling racist shootings, including the 2015 Charleston church shooting. She emphasized the importance of unifying people during such tragic events, rather than inciting riots or protests.
Haley also highlighted her decision to remove the confederate flag from the South Carolina state capitol after the Charleston church shooting, despite previously referring to it as a symbol of “heritage and history.”
The debate between DeSantis and Haley reflects their conflicting views on racial justice and social unrest in the wake of Floyd’s murder. Haley’s stance against rioting and her efforts to promote unity during times of tragedy stand in contrast to DeSantis’ criticism of her and his own reputation as a staunch opponent of the Black Lives Matter movement.
In conclusion, the exchange between DeSantis and Haley underscores the ongoing debate over racial justice and social unrest in America, particularly in the aftermath of high-profile incidents of police-related killings of Black Americans. This controversy also highlights the differing approaches of political leaders in addressing these issues and the ongoing national conversation surrounding race and historical symbols.