Florida Governor Ron DeSantis maintains suspended Broward Sheriff Scott Israel failed in his department’s response to the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. This, despite a recent ruling by a special master that says DeSantis didn’t prove Israel’s policies and training were inconsistent with state law enforcement standards.
Ahead of the Florida Senate convening Oct. 21st in a special session to weigh whether to reinstate Israel, DeSantis is making his feelings on the matter known.
“I am so glad the Senate is finally going to vote on this thing," DeSantis told reporters Thursday following a press conference in Mexico Beach.
"There’s no doubt there was incompetence and neglect of duty and Florida law says the sheriff is responsible for the conduct. So, I think the senators will separate the wheat from the chaff on that and I think they’ll do the right thing."
DeSantis calls the meeting "an opportunity for accountability."
The Broward Sheriffs Department has been criticized for not immediately engaging the shooter in the school and opting to stay outside. Israel has claimed his suspension was politically motivated.
Copyright 2019 WFSU
