DeSantis laughs off protesters who stormed live town hall: ‘That was a mistake’

Anti-oil protesters interrupted Gov. Ron DeSantis‘s (R-FL) town hall on Fox News, stepping in front of the camera during the live broadcast.

The protesters held up a yellow and black banner and chanted, “No oil money,” as DeSantis was answering a question from an audience member about abortion during the Iowa event on Tuesday.

“I think it is important to stand for a culture of life. I’m the only one running that has actually enacted protections for the sanctity of life. I’m the only one that’s been able to do that,” DeSantis said before he was interrupted by chanting and a protester blocking the camera.

DeSantis and Fox News moderators Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum waited on the stage as security escorted the hecklers out within seconds. The Republican presidential candidate quipped at the brief interruption to the event.

Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis watches as demonstrators interrupt a Fox News Channel town hall on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

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“You know, you live and you learn with these people, right? All right. All right. Well, you guys — that was a mistake. You guys didn’t get that one right,” DeSantis said in response to the protesters.

Climate protesters have become notorious for interrupting events in recent years in the United States and Europe. In 2023, they heckled Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV).