Heckler Disrupts DeSantis Press Conference in Bradenton Over Epstein Controversy
A press conference featuring Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was abruptly interrupted Thursday when a man launched into a profanity-laced tirade, accusing the governor of aligning with a pedophile and referencing the ongoing controversy surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
The incident occurred at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, where DeSantis had been speaking about the legacy of wrestling icon Hulk Hogan and announcing a state-led audit of local governments, with Manatee County as the latest focus.
As DeSantis recalled a memory from WrestleMania III, the man stood up and began shouting about the Alligator Alcatraz federal detention facility in the Everglades. The disruption quickly escalated with the man accusing DeSantis and others present of being “Nazis” and using repeated vulgar language.
Two deputies from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, part of the governor’s security detail, escorted the man from the venue. Before leaving, the heckler flipped off the governor and continued shouting obscenities. Governor DeSantis remained composed during the incident, repeatedly telling the man to leave before continuing with his speech.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office contacted the Bradenton Police Department following the disturbance, as the event fell within city jurisdiction. Officers issued a trespass warning to the man but did not make an arrest, according to police spokesperson Meredith Censullo.
The outburst occurred amid rising political tension and online speculation linked to new developments in the federal Epstein probe. DeSantis’ visit to Bradenton also featured remarks by Florida’s new Chief Financial Officer, Blaise Ingoglia, as the governor pushed for increased scrutiny of local government spending.
