DeSantis greeted by protests at event with GOP lawmakers

Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis was greeted by protests at an event with GOP lawmakers on Tuesday.

DeSantis participated in a meet-and-greet with GOP members of Congress at the Heritage Foundation. It was sponsored by the organization And to the Republic (ATTR). 

There was a substantial police presence outside of the building where the protesters gathered.

DeSantis, who left Florida for Washington, D.C. with the state Legislature in session, has reportedly been seeking endorsements for a potential 2024 presidential run. 

Tennessee Republican Rep. Tim Burchett posted a photo on social media with DeSantis that was taken at the Heritage Foundation on Tuesday. He also posted a photo with Charles Schwab, founder and chairman of the Charles Schwab Corporation, which appears to have been taken at the same event.

Some of the Republican lawmakers who attended the meet-and-greet with DeSantis met for dinner at a steakhouse in the District afterward.

Just the News asked Florida GOP Rep. Maria Salazar how the meeting with DeSantis went as she left the restaurant, but she declined to elaborate.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who was at the restaurant with the group of GOP lawmakers, also declined to comment on the meeting. He was also asked if he thinks DeSantis should run for president, but he did not respond.

It is unclear if McCarthy attended the event with DeSantis. His office did not respond to a request for comment before publication.