Scott Israel was the Sheriff who oversaw Broward County. The home of the Parkland shooting. The epic failure of government at every level to protect people it had disarmed. Gov. Ron DeSantis removed Israel from office, but a formal review could put him back on the job.
Related: Parkland Commission Says “Arm Teachers” – NH Dems Say Disarm Everyone
Several of the families stood united Monday in their message that Florida Senators need to disregard a report by a special master that ruled that Israel should be reinstated. Governor Ron DeSantis removed Israel earlier this year, alleging neglect and incompetence on behalf of the sheriff for a lack of training and response from deputies. The special master, however, determined that Israel cannot be held accountable for each deputies’ actions and that the BSO active shooter training was in line with other law enforcement agencies.
The families are those of victims who believe Israel is responsible for any number of shortcomings and failures that lead to the events on Valentine’s Day, 2018. And they are asking Florida State Senators, who have the power to reinstate Israel, not to do it.
“The former Sheriff of this county has made himself a victim of the Parkland shooting,” Guttenberg said. “No. The people who died are the victims. He wants his money back. And you know what, he doesn’t deserve it. He failed.”
As a matter of process, it may seem like Israel should be reinstated, but the optics are terrible. Federal impositions or not County Sheriffs are tasked with protecting and defending both the Constitution and the people in their country. Israel’s interests always appeared to me to political and now financial.
Consideration is scheduled to begin next Monday.
