Police arrest several protestors for blocking traffic in downtown Miami

MIAMI – Efforts have been made by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration to stiffen the penalties against protestors, especially when they do things like block traffic.

On Monday, several protesters were taken to the Miami-Dade County Jail after selecting April 15, tax day, in order to further prove their point.

People protesting the rising death toll in Gaza were pulled away and handcuffed by Miami police officers after blocking traffic on Biscayne Boulevard near Bayside in downtown Miami.

“We want to say that we don’t want any more of our tax payers dollars going to genocide funding for the genocide that is unfolding in Gaza,” said protester Ella Fies.

At least seven were arrested Monday afternoon.

The demonstration was part of an international day of protest against the tens of thousands of Palestinians – a large number of them children – killed in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

“I think it’s really heart breaking and upsetting that we do have to take such extreme measures to get people to care,” said Fies. “And I think it’s upsetting that people don’t intuitively care about the tens of thousands of people in Gaza who have been murdered and then the millions have been displaced and are starved”

Florida Senator Rick Scott applauded Miami police enforcement at Monday’s protest, saying on X:

“I do not support Hamas. I think that needs to be said very loud and clear,” said Fies. “In no way shape or form is this action in support of the lives that were lost in Israel. We absolutely do not agree with senseless murder of innocent people.”

Miami police has yet to release details on the charges against the protestors who were arrested.