DeSantis Visits Elmhurst, Draws Protesters

ELMHURST, IL – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who vows to fight "woke ideology," spoke Monday to Chicago police officers in Elmhurst.

The governor's visit drew protesters, who criticized his approach to LGBT issues and Black history. Local police were on hand.

It was unclear why the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police held the event in the suburbs.

Speaking at the local Knights of Columbus hall, DeSantis promoted the $5,000 bonus that Florida offers to all newly employed police officers. That is for all levels of government.

"The reason why you have what you have in some of the other jurisdictions is because they're putting woke ideology ahead of your safety," DeSantis told the crowd.

An NBC 5 report showed protesters near the site of DeSantis' speech. Some banged pots and pans.

The demonstrators held signs such as "DeSantis is a genocidal monster" and "Go home DeSantis – Elmhurst doesn't want you and your Nazi-fascist hate."

Republican DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick and last year's Republican gubernatorial candidate, Darren Bailey, were reported as attending.

In downtown Elmhurst, Brewpoint Coffee held an event along with the LGBT community while DeSantis spoke.

On Thursday afternoon, Patch was the first to report on DeSantis' upcoming visit. This was before his political operatives announced the event to the media. At the time, Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin said the city had not been informed, but he said he hoped it was for public safety reasons.

Over the weekend, many who commented on Patch's story promised to protest. Others defended DeSantis, who is expected to run against Donald Trump for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024.