‘Stop the Spread of Hate’: Rep. Darren Soto Wants Investigation Into Antisemitic Group in Florida

The Democratic congressman is asking for an investigation into “potential civil rights and criminal violations” by an antisemitic group. 

US Congressman Darren Soto (D-Kissimmee) asked the Justice Department to investigate the spread of hate by an antisemitic group in Central Florida.

In a letter to Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, Soto expressed his concerns about actions perpetrated by the group Goyim Defense League, and asked for an investigation into “potential civil rights and criminal violations.”

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The congressman said the group’s actions had threatened the safety and well-being of the Jewish community in the area.

“The Goyim Defense League is a network of antisemitic provocateurs that participate in propaganda distribution and street actions. In addition, the group operates an online video platform dedicated to spreading vitriolic antisemitic content,” Soto wrote in the letter.

The congressman of Puerto Rican descent specifically mentioned an incident that took place in the vicinity of the synagogue Chabad Center in South Orlando, where the group protested and harassed motorists and pedestrians. He also mentioned that flyers linked to the group were distributed in the Lake Nona neighborhood.

“The incidents are part of a surge of antisemitism nationwide, and we must use all resources available to stop the spread of hate,” Soto wrote.

These types of incidents and neo-Nazi demonstrations have increased in the state by 40% over the past year, according to Anti-Defamation League statistics.

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Gov. Ron DeSantis has faced criticism because of his silence on the issue. Plus, the governor has not said whether he supports a bipartisan state bill intended to target antisemitism by strengthening laws against hate speech.

According to the Anti-Defamation League’s annual Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, Florida is the state with the third highest number of these incidents.