Former Fla. Gov calls for an investigation into the state’s ‘outsized role’ in the Jan. 6 riot

Rep. Charlie Crist (D-Fla.) on Friday pressed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) to create a commission to investigate the state’s role in the events of Jan. 6.

“I’m calling on @GovRonDeSantis to protect our democracy by ordering a non-partisan investigation of Florida’s outsized role in the Capitol Insurrection,” Crist, a former Florida governor and current state gubernatorial candidate, tweeted.

I’m calling on @GovRonDeSantis to protect our democracy by ordering a non-partisan investigation of Florida’s outsized roll in the Capitol Insurrection.

Hate and insurrection can have no home here. DeSantis must act to keep us safe. pic.twitter.com/2eH9uerkTs

— Charlie Crist (@CharlieCrist) June 18, 2021

In a video he shared to Twitter, Crist said DeSantis should issue an executive order allowing for a deeper look into the “violent extremists” based in the Sunshine State.

He added, “The unprecedented attack on our nation’s capitol on January the 6th was an assault on our very democracy.”

.@GovRonDeSantis must protect our democracy and investigate the role Florida-based hate group members played in leading the Jan. 6th Insurrection on our nation’s Capitol. pic.twitter.com/2TNB5sJL34

— Charlie Crist (@CharlieCrist) June 18, 2021

In his message, Crist noted that more Floridians have been arrested and charged for their roles in the Capitol riot than participants from any other states.

“Hate and insurrection can have no home here,” Crist captioned one of the tweets. “DeSantis must act to keep us safe.” 

Newsweek notes that 47 of the 484 people arrested in relation to the Jan. 6 attack hail from Florida. 

As of Friday night, DeSantis had not addressed Crist’s call for action, and the governor’s office did not immediately respond to The Hill’s request for comment.