On Wednesday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order suspending Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Monique Worrell for “dereliction of duty” on crime.
“The practices and policies of her office have allowed murderers, other violent offenders, and dangerous drug traffickers to receive extremely reduced sentences and escape the full consequences of their criminal conduct. In some cases, these offenders have evaded incarceration altogether,” DeSantis' office wrote in a statement.
“State Attorney Worrell's practices undermine Florida law and endanger the safety, security, and welfare of the communities that Ms. Worrell was elected to serve,” it continued.
During a press conference, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody (R) cited an incident from over the weekend that left two Orlando police shot as an example of her accused dereliction of duties.
“We are fortunate to have a Governor committed to the rule of law and holding officials — especially those elected to protect the public — accountable for not doing the jobs they swore an oath to do,” Moody said. “Ms. Worrell abdicated her responsibility as the circuit's top prosecutor and her actions undermine the safety and security of our state and Floridians.”
Worrell responded to the news calling the suspension a political move.
“If we are mourning anything this morning, it is the loss of democracy,” Monique Worrell said Wednesday. “I am your duly elected state attorney for the 9th Judicial Circuit, and nothing done by a weak dictator can change that.”
“This is simply a smokescreen for Ron DeSantis' failing and disastrous presidential campaign,” she added.
Governor DeSantis is no stranger to punishing woke state attorneys. Last year, DeSantis Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren for “neglect of duty” after the prosecutor refused to enforce bans on abortion and transgender surgeries. (RELATED: Ron DeSantis Suspends Liberal State Attorney)
“When you flagrantly violate your oath of office, when you make yourself above the law, you have violated your duty, you have neglected your duty and you are displaying a lack of competence to be able to perform those duties,” DeSantis said at a news conference at the time.
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All DA’s that go easy on violent offenders need to be fired for negligence and incompetency. Good job governor.
I actually think DeSantis would do a better job than Trump in clearing out the swamp. He understands the mechanics better. Trump chose too many Bushies (including Kavanaugh) and other swamp rats, who turned around and bit him.
Does the governor have the authority to suspend an elected official from their office?