TAMPA, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis violated the Florida Constitution and the First Amendment when he suspended Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren, but a federal judge has concluded that he does not have the power to restore Warren to office.
DeSantis suspended Warren from office Aug. 4, accusing him of neglecting his duties by refusing to enforce state laws. DeSantis pointed to statements Warren signed with other elected prosecutors throughout the nation in which they pledged to refrain from prosecuting cases involving abortion or transgender health care. The governor also cited Warren’s policies discouraging prosecution of certain low-level misdemeanors and cases arising from police stops of bicyclists.
The governor announced the suspension in a news conference that had the air of a campaign rally. Standing with DeSantis were several local law enforcement officials, including Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister and former Tampa police Chief Brian Dugan. Speakers voiced an assortment of complaints about Warren and his policies.
