(TALLAHASSEE, FLA) — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced Thursday that he has suspended Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren for neglect of duty for not enforcing ALL Florida laws.
Warren allegedly refused to enforce newly passed state laws restricting abortion. Warren had signed letters saying he would not enforce laws prohibiting sex changes for minors or laws limiting abortion.
In announcing the departure of State Attorney Andrew Warren of the 13th Judicial Circuit and the appointment of State Attorney Susan Lopez, DeSantis said, “State Attorneys have a duty to prosecute crimes as defined in Florida law, not to pick and choose which laws to enforce based on his personal agenda.” The governor added “It is my duty to hold Florida’s elected officials to the highest standards for the people of Florida. I have the utmost trust that Judge Susan Lopez will lead the office through this transition and faithfully uphold the rule of law.”
The Governor has the authority under the Florida Constitution to suspend state officials for reasons of misfeasance, malfeasance, neglect of duty, drunkenness, incompetence, permanent inability to perform official duties, or commission of a felony. The Governor has further authority to fill that office by appointment for the duration of the suspension.