Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was within his rights when he suspended and replaced Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel back in January, a judge says.
According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Judge David Haimes did not say whether he agreed with the governor but nonetheless ruled DeSantis was legally justified in removing Israel and appointing Gregory Tony.
The Sun-Sentinel reports Israel had wanted the judge to rule the governor overstepped his authority, but that didn't happen.
Technically, the Republican-controlled Florida Senate could overturn DeSantis' decision to get rid of Israel, but lawmakers seem unlikely to consider taking action one way or the other during the current legislative session. In the meantime, Israel is reportedly expected to appeal the judge's decision.
“Now we move on and contemplate what our next move is on behalf of Sheriff Israel," Israel’s attorney Stuart Kaplan told the newspaper.
DeSantis' displeasure with Israel stems from the sheriff's handling of the deadly 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Florida law allows the governor to suspend elected officials for crimes, misfeasance, incompetence or neglect of their duties.
The sheriff's office has been criticized because deputies did not immediately enter to confront the gunman. And, the criticism increased after it was revealed that deputies received at least two calls warning the suspect was a potential school shooter, but those tips were disregarded.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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