FLORIDA: Ron DeSantis took a risk on Wednesday, July 9 by suspending a State Attorney from the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida for being too lenient on crime, as his bid for the presidency in 2024 falters. The governor claimed he was suspending Monique Worrell due to a "dereliction of duty," allowing criminals to escape "full consequences."
In response, Worrell claimed that DeSantis's action was merely a "smokescreen" for his "failing and disastrous" presidential campaign. He has long been after the Orlando-based attorney, and she claims he is conducting a "witch hunt" against her. In one of her comments, the prosecutor referred to it as a "loss of democracy."
Who is Monique Worrell?
Monique Worrell is the State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida. She is a member of the Democratic Party and took office on January 5, 2021. Her current term is set to end on January 7, 2025.
Worrell graduated with honors from St. John's University in 1995 and from the University of Florida's Fredric G. Levin College of Law in 2000. Her previous position includes serving as the chief legal officer for REFORM Alliance, according to Ballotpedia.
Why did Ron Desantis suspend her?
Ron DeSantis announced the suspension of the progressive Florida prosecutor for failing to do her duties and being soft on crime. According to his announcement, Worrell has frequently let murderers and other violent offenders "escape the full consequences of their criminal conduct."
"The state of Florida is a law and order state, and that means we support the men and women who wear the uniform who protect and serve. It means we have strong policies to hold criminals accountable for their misconduct," he stated.
He continued, "Prosecutors have a duty to faithfully enforce the law. One's political agenda cannot trump this solemn duty, refusing to faithfully enforce the laws of Florida puts our communities in danger and victimizes innocent Floridians."
How did Warrol react?
Worrell, a black candidate, won with 67 percent of the vote in Orange and Osceola counties in 2020. She charged that DeSantis had oppressed her and was engaging in political games.
"This is simply a smokescreen for Ron DeSantis failing and disastrous presidential campaign," she mentioned in a statement on Wednesday, as cited by Daily Mail.
'It’s the loss of democracy'
"He needed to get back in the media in some positive way that would be red meat for his base, and he will have accomplished that today. He will be in the news nationally and internationally for the individual who has single handedly destroyed democracy in the state of Florida."
DeSantis was acting like a "dictator," Worrell claimed, and her firing was an "outrage." "If we are mourning anything this morning, it’s the loss of democracy," she stated. "I am your duly elected State Attorney for the 9th judicial circuit, and nothing done by a weak dictator can change that. This is an outrage."
'You should have done your job'
Worrell also urged her followers on Twitter for support "as we stand together against tyranny and dictatorship." She added, "We will prevail." The comment section is flooded with reactions.
A user said, "I had the pleasure of meeting you a couple years ago here in Miami and I recall rapidly concluding that you are precisely the type of dedicated lawyer we need more of as a prosecutor. I stand with you."
Another wrote, "Disgrace. Good riddance." "No thanks. I'd rather donate to the two police officers who were shot because you didn't do your job. Good riddance!!!" commented another.
"Didn't you let a pedophile out on bail and he shot two police officers....?" remarked another. "Beyond outrageous. What can the public do, if anything, to push back? RD is out of control," said another.
"You should have done your job. State Attorneys that are weak on crime have no place in Florida. Ron DeSantis has proven that twice now," claimed another.
