Florida governor announces sheriff’s suspension over Parkland shooting

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced Friday the suspension of Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel over his office’s response to the Parkland shooting last year.

Israel’s suspension comes after he endured significant criticism in the wake of February’s shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla.

“Effective immediately, I am officially suspending Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel for his repeated failures, incompetence and neglect of duty,” DeSantis wrote on Twitter.

Effective immediately, I am officially suspending Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel for his repeated failures, incompetence and neglect of duty. https://t.co/tkHzxTHhjH

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) January 11, 2019

In a statement, DeSantis also noted that “Sheriff Israel has repeatedly failed and has demonstrated a pattern of poor leadership.”{mosads}

“These incidents demonstrate Sheriff’s Israel’s repeated incompetence and neglect of duty. The families of the victims deserve accountability,” the statement said.

Israel had reportedly told his colleagues earlier this week that he expected to be suspended or removed from office.

The former sheriff had faced criticism over reports that his office received 18 tips about the suspected gunman prior to the incident.

Additionally, the sheriff’s deputy assigned to the school and other deputies on the scene did not confront the shooter as the massacre unfolded.

Parents of the victims and lawmakers have previously called for Israel’s suspension or resignation.