James Uthmeier on looting and self-defense
by Flint: James Uthmeier
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier just laid out exactly what happens if you try to loot during Hurricane Isaias. The message is blunt: stealing from storm victims risks losing your freedom for good. Under current state law, looting in an emergency bumps charges up a full degree immediately. Break into a home and you're looking at a first-degree felony with a potential sentence of up to 30 years behind bars. Uthmeier emphasized that Florida remains a proud Second Amendment state where residents hold the right to defend their homes and families against intruders. The warning targets bad guys directly, stating they might lose more than just their liberty if caught. This approach contrasts sharply with blue cities that allegedly allow rioters and looters to go free without consequence. Florida maintains a historically low crime rate precisely because strict enforcement means people get caught and prosecuted rather than making excuses. It's a full law and order mode stance designed to keep the state safe after the disaster passes.
Transcript (en)
I'm Florida Attorney General James Uthmeyer. We've got a historically low crime rate and we aim to keep it that way now that the storm has passed. Loot during this emergency and Florida law bumps your charge up a full degree. Break into a home and you're facing a first degree felony in up to 30 years behind bars. And bad guys, this is a proud Second Amendment state. Floridians have every right to defend their homes and families. Steal from storm victims and you might lose more than your freedom. You'll be caught. You'll be prosecuted. Florida will stay safe. Thank you.
