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New Florida governor suspends Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel

On Friday afternoon, newly sworn-in Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 19-14 to formally suspend Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel.

Israel was the sheriff during the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where 17 people were killed in February 2017.

The order is effective immediately.

The governor's office released the below statement:

"Sheriff Israel has repeatedly failed and has demonstrated a pattern of poor leadership. He failed to protect Floridians and visitors during the tragic Fort Lauderdale International Airport shooting in 2017. He failed in his duties to keep our families and children safe during the devastating shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018. These incidents demonstrate Sheriff’s Israel’s repeated incompetence and neglect of duty. The families of the victims deserve accountability. It is my job as Governor to ensure that the safety of our local communities, especially the safety of our children, is paramount. Government officials must be held accountable for their actions, and/or inactions. For these reasons, I am suspending Sheriff Israel from office effective immediately.”

During the announcement, DeSantis also appointed Gregory Tony as Broward County's new Sheriff.

“The people of Broward County deserve accountable, competent leaders who can safeguard our communities,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Gregory Tony will be a champion for Broward County who will work tirelessly to safeguard our schools and our streets while ensuring accountability within the Sheriff’s office.”

"This is an enormous honor and privilege to be appointed Sheriff of Broward County," said newly appointed Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony. "It is my intention to embark on this enormous task to restore the confidence of families and residents of Broward County toward the Broward Sherriff's Office, which also requires that I fix the problems that exist. I thank Governor Ron DeSantis for this honor and I commit to faithfully fulfilling my duties to this office."

WATCH: 

Gov. DeSantis announcement

Gov. DeSantis announces suspension of Broward Sheriff Scott Israel. More: https://bit.ly/2RIUYea

Posted by Action News Jax on Friday, January 11, 2019

Suspended Broward Sheriff Scott Israel's response: 

Suspended Broward Sheriff speaks

Suspended Broward Sheriff Scott Israel speaks after Gov. DeSantis issues Executive Order. Details: https://bit.ly/2RIUYea

Posted by Action News Jax on Friday, January 11, 2019