Security and Tensions Are High Ahead of Richard Spencers Speech at UF

Security and Tensions Are High Ahead of Richard Spencer's Speech at UF

Florida Governor Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency for the event.

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • October 19, 2017

Tensions are high on campus as police, federal agencies, campus police and students brace for Richard Spencer's speech at the University of Florida Thursday.

In the wake of the deadly protests and counter protests in Charlottesville, Gov. Rick Scott has declared a state of emergency for the event, which is to be held in the Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

This is the first time Scott has declared a state of emergency for an event and explained the motion by saying the declaration frees up additional state, county and local resources.

The university is also increasing security by purchasing over a mile's worth of steel barricades to cordon off the perimeter of the event and to keep protesters and counter protesters away from each other. The school estimates that it will spent nearly $600,000 on security for Spencer's planned speech. Spencer's National Policy Institute is paying $10,564 to rent the space.

The school has calling in hundreds of law enforcement officers from federal, state, county and city sources. Streets will be blocked off and movement around campus will be controlled.

Police will help to monitor the events as they unfold from rooftop surveillance cameras that were installed in the days leading up to the event.

 

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • How Cloud Security Solutions Are Transforming Campus Safety

    Campus administrators today face a challenging mandate: deliver stronger security across their facilities while working within tighter budget constraints. From school districts focused on student safety to hospitals protecting patients and staff, the question remains the same: how do you build security infrastructure that evolves with your needs without requiring massive capital investments? Read Now

  • 77% of Americans Support Gun Detection Technology in Schools, Workplaces, and Houses of Worship

    More than three-quarters of Americans (77.4%) believe gun detection technology should be deployed in schools, workplaces, and other public spaces, according to new survey data released recently. The national survey shows strong support for incorporating camera-based gun detection into existing video surveillance systems. Read Now

  • Eagle Eye Networks Launches AI Camera Gun Detection

    Eagle Eye Networks, a provider of cloud video surveillance, recently introduced Eagle Eye Gun Detection, a new layer of protection for schools and businesses that works with existing security cameras and infrastructure. Eagle Eye Networks is the first to build gun detection into its platform. Read Now

Most   Popular