The Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida stands strong with the people of Puerto Rico in light of the recent turmoil the Island faces once again. In the past few days the world has learned the contents of the private chat the governor of Puerto Rico, some of his cabinet members and top aides on the messaging app Telegram. The messages laced with profanity, derogatory attacks to people on both sides of the aisle and even mockery at the expense of those who lost their lives after Hurricane María are unacceptable and disgusting. We will not accept this behavior from any elected leaders in our United States of America and its territories. The people of Puerto Rico deserve better from their leadership and we must hold our elected officials and leaders to a higher standard.

The Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida stands in solidarity with the people of Puerto Rico and we ask that we state our views and perform our protest peacefully and respectfully as any violence will hinder our cause.

Let us not forget that the Island is still in need of help and this should not deter the current administration under Trump to act on all the long passed help needed.