Gov. Ron DeSantis has suspended State Attorney Monique Worrell, the second Democratic prosecutor he removed from office this year. That prompted responses from across the political spectrum.
U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, a Naples Republican, said: "This is the right move. Democrats' soft-on-crime policies are eroding our communities and families' ability to feel safe. In February, I called on State Attorney Monique Worrell to deliver the justice and accountability needed for the families affected by shootings in her district and said her suspension would be fully justified. She failed to do her job. Families deserve better."
Suspended 13th Judicial Circuit State Attorney Andrew Warren, released a statement: "Another illegal and unconstitutional attack on democracy by a small, scared man who is desperate to save his political career. He wants to be a bully, but he's actually a coward who has repeatedly violated the rule of law and the will of the voters to cover up his own weakness."
State Rep. Anna Eskamani, an Orlando Democrat, released a statement: "This is absolutely disgusting — State Attorney Monique Worrell is a duly elected official and the only Black woman serving as State Attorney in Florida right now. Her removal is a complete slap in the face to Orange and Osceola County residents and another example of Governor DeSantis eroding our local control and democracy. This politically motivated action by the Governor in a predominantly democratic part of the state should alarm everyone. DeSantis is extreme, unfit to serve, and must be held accountable."
State Rep. Michele Rayner, a St. Petersburg Democrat, issued a statement: "This decision is yet another appalling abuse of power that strikes at the heart of our democratic system and undermines the trust of the voters who elected Worrell to serve in the pursuit of Justice and public safety. Monique Worrell's election as State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit was a testament to the faith and confidence the constituents of Circuit 9 placed in her. The Governor's decision to forcibly remove her from this role is not only a blatant disregard for the will of the people, but also a calculated assault on the democratic values that our great state holds dear. Governor DeSantis's actions send a chilling message that his personal political agenda takes precedence over the voices and choices of the voters. By removing Monique Worrell without just cause, the Governor has effectively silenced the voices of Circuit 9 residents who saw in her a champion of justice, equality, and fairness. It is the responsibility of elected officials, including the Governor, to respect the democratic process and to uphold the principles of accountability and transparency. This unjust removal of Monique Worrell is a flagrant violation of these principles and a direct attack on the very foundation of our government. I urge the residents of Circuit 9 to express their discontent and demand accountability from their elected officials. It is crucial that we stand united against such abuses of power and defend the principles of democracy that make our state and our nation strong."
Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried said: "Ron DeSantis has gone too far. Monique Worrell is a devoted public servant — one who was elected overwhelmingly by her constituents. This political hit job threatens our democracy and undermines the will of the people. Just days ago, Monique spoke out against Florida's new education standards; standards that would teach our children that there was some kind of benefit to slavery. Ron's extremist administration has consistently targeted the rights and freedoms of Black and brown Floridians, and the suspension of State Attorney Worrell — the only Black woman State Attorney in Florida — is clearly racially and politically motivated. Ron's presidential campaign has been a disaster of epic proportions, but attacking law and order in service of his culture wars isn't the solution to his problems. On behalf of her constituents, the Florida Democratic Party demands the immediate reinstatement of State Attorney Worrell."
Former state Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, an Orlando Democrat and state Senate candidate, posted: "Less than 2% of elected prosecutors in the United States are Black females. Ron DeSantis just removed one of them from office to try and save his failing presidential campaign."
American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, posted: "Suspending a black State Attorney after she spoke at AME convention — is not 'law and order' — it is an abuse of power and the stripping of fundamental freedoms — both the voters and State Attorney Worrell."
Equality Florida Press Secretary Brandon Wolf said: "The courts have already said this is illegal. But DeSantis is desperate and daring someone to stop him. We elected Monique Worrell with 67% of the vote. America beware: when democracy is an obstacle, the DeSantis regime will light it ablaze too."
The Florida House Democratic Caucus released a statement: "Once again, DeSantis removes an elected official because he disagrees with them. This is political, and an attack on the voters of Orange and Osceola Counties who voted for Worrell."
Orange County Rainbow Democrats posted: "Ron DeSantis has suspended our local prosecutor (Monique Worrell), who is now the second to receive a suspension. Even though data from her office shows 'that her prosecution rate was similar to that of her predecessors.' Let's be clear, this was only done because of DeSantis's dying campaign, and he wanted more air time to try and get 'points' with his anti-woke campaign."
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