Ron DeSantis was interrupted during a town hall meeting by eco-protesters.
The Florida governor was taking a question about abortion when the speech was interrupted by a protester.
The protesters jumped up onto the stage during a Fox News town hall in Iowa, waving banners and were heard shouting "no more oil money".
After security removed the protesters from the room, DeSantis said: "'You live and you learn with these people."
Demonstrators chant "No oil money", as Republican presidential candidate Florida Governor Ron DeSantis answers a question during a FOX News Channel's Democracy 2024
Reuters
Addressing the protesters, he said: "Well, you guys, that was a mistake...you guys didn't get that one right."
One of the protesters was wearing a shirt from the 'Sunrise Movement."
The group describes itself on its website as "Young people fighting to stop the climate crisis and win a green new deal."
After the town hall, DeSantis referred to the protesters as "guests".
He said: "We had a great time tonight. I mean, we had some guests that came to the show, tried to make it on the stage but you know, that's just the way this stuff rolls. It's the first time that's happened."
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Republican presidential candidate Florida Governor Ron DeSantis participates in FOX News Channel's Democracy 2024
Reuters
The Florida governor was once seen as Donald Trump's leading rival for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.
However, political experts say he needs a solid performance in Monday's Iowa caucus, the first party nominating contest, to save his struggling campaign.
DeSantis trails former President Trump by over 30 points and needs to place a strong second.
A blowout loss or third-place finish behind former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley would raise questions about the future of his candidacy.
DeSantis was interrupted by protesters
Reuters
DeSantis became a controversial figure by opposing many of the policies advocated by the US government to prevent the spread of covid-19.
He resisted mask and vaccine mandates and was determined to keep Florida businesses and tourism destinations open during the bulk of the pandemic.
DeSantis has also been embroiled in a public fight with Walt Disney Co, which was critical of his efforts to limit school instruction on gender identity.
The governor attempted to strip the Walt Disney World theme park in Orlando of its self-governing powers, and the company responded with a lawsuit.
Disney CEO, Bob Iger, has called DeSantis "anti-business."
