Heckler disrupts Ron DeSantis’ Hulk Hogan tribute with Alligator Alcatraz rant, slammed as 'deranged'

BRADENTON, FLORIDA: Governor Ron DeSantis’ tribute to wrestling icon Hulk Hogan took an unexpected turn when a heckler erupted just three minutes into his speech, shouting profanities and slamming the governor’s immigration policies.

The man, referencing the controversial "Alligator Alcatraz" detention center project, interrupted DeSantis mid-sentence before security quickly removed him as the governor firmly ordered him to leave.

Ron DeSantis' news conference takes a chaotic turn as heckler unleashes outburst

A news conference led by Governor Ron DeSantis took a chaotic turn Thursday, July 24, when a heckler unleashed a profanity-filled outburst, slamming the governor’s immigration policies and derailing a tribute to late wrestling legend Hulk Hogan.

The unidentified man, seated near the back of the room, suddenly leapt to his feet and pointed aggressively at DeSantis, shouting, “Alligator Alcatraz — is that your f**king legacy?” His outburst cut off the governor just three minutes into his remarks.

DeSantis, visibly frustrated, immediately halted his speech and confronted the man. “Hey, stop, stop! Stop! Get out of here! Get outta here!” he shouted, gesturing toward the commotion as security stepped in to escort the heckler out. Despite being removed, the man continued yelling as he was taken away.

At the time of the interruption, DeSantis had been sharing a personal memory about watching Hulk Hogan’s iconic WrestleMania III showdown with Andre the Giant. “I remember WrestleMania III. He was up …,” DeSantis had begun, before the heckler jumped in.

The protest appeared to be sparked by DeSantis’ recent pledge of $245 million toward “Alligator Alcatraz,” a controversial immigration detention center located in the Florida Everglades, a project that has drawn growing criticism.

Prior to the disruption, DeSantis had opened the press event with heartfelt remarks on Hogan’s death earlier that day in Clearwater. “I was sad to see the news that Hulk Hogan passed away today. He was a major icon for anybody in Gen X,” he said.

The governor added, "You know, back then, when they would do these big events like WrestleMania, you could go to it … they didn’t even have pay-per-view. ... It was closed-circuit."

Internet slams 'shameful' heckler who interrupted Ron DeSantis' tribute to Hulk Hogan

A video showing Ron DeSantis being interrupted by a heckler during his tribute to wrestling legend Hulk Hogan quickly drew reactions online, with many internet users sharing their thoughts.

One user slammed the heckler, "Only the lowest of the low would interrupt the governor while he's giving a tribute to a great American Icon. What a loser, I hope they kicked his ass out of there."

One more enraged person stated, "What an idiot to interrupt during a wonderful reminiscence of the great Hulk Hogan. Thank you, Gov. DeSantis."

Another user said, "Who the hell was that asshole who interrupted you? Can you send him to Alligator Alcatraz?"

A commenter wrote, "What a disgusting human being. So deranged. This is what happens when a mentally ill person believes the people spreading bogus conspiracy theories now."

An X user added, "Absolutely unhinged. Disrupting a eulogy shows zero class , glad DeSantis handled it with strength and composure."

A person explained, "This is the type of psycho behavior that activates ppl into violence."

The last user dubbed, "Can't control themselves ever.  Shameful."

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online