Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has initiated a state-led investigation into the recent attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf club, citing concerns over federal transparency and cooperation.
In an executive order issued under the directive of Executive Order 24-197, DeSantis tasked state law enforcement agencies with investigating the incident, bypassing federal authorities whom he accused of obstructing the state’s efforts to uncover the truth.
DeSantis directed the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) to conduct an independent probe into the assassination attempt, which took place at Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach.
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The state will also prosecute any violations of Florida law related to the incident through the office of the statewide prosecutor.
“This deranged, would-be assassin broke Florida law, and we will not wait on the federal government to act,” Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said in a statement.
Moody emphasized the state’s commitment to quickly uncovering the facts behind the assassination attempt. “Florida is launching its own investigation, and I have directed my statewide prosecutors to assist FDLE and FHP, as we work quickly to uncover the facts behind this latest attempt on President Trump’s life.”
According to DeSantis, Florida investigators faced obstacles from the FBI when attempting to gain access to the scene of the crime, a move the governor called deeply concerning.
“I have directed state agencies to move expeditiously and to provide full transparency to the public,” DeSantis said, criticizing the federal authorities for allegedly rebuffing state investigators. “The FBI’s unwillingness to include Florida in this investigation raises serious concerns, particularly as there were numerous violations of Florida law.”
DeSantis’ decision to take on an independent investigation underscores his growing frustration with what he sees as a lack of openness from federal agencies.
He linked this incident to previous high-profile cases—such as the 2017 Las Vegas shooting—where he claimed that important details remained unresolved due to a lack of federal transparency.
#BREAKING: Gov. Ron DeSantis just told Fox News that the Feds are BLOCKING his investigators’ access at Trump’s golf course where the 2nd attempt on Trump’s life occurred
WHY?
Attempted m*rder is a STATE CRIME. How do the Feds have the right to block that investigation?
Is… pic.twitter.com/pwFfAru5Il
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) September 20, 2024
FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass, who is leading the state investigation, expressed his determination to get answers for Floridians. “The people of Florida deserve answers, and we will not stop until we know the truth and how we can best prevent similar attacks in Florida,” Glass said.
Dave Kerner, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, echoed the commitment of Florida law enforcement to investigating the assassination attempt. “We accept this mission with humility and know that with our law enforcement partners, Florida will get to the bottom of this,” Kerner said.
Despite the support from state law enforcement and leadership, DeSantis’ decision to launch a separate investigation has sparked concerns among legal experts.
Some argue that a state-led probe could interfere with the FBI’s ongoing national security investigation. Anthony V. Alfieri, a professor at the University of Miami, voiced concerns that DeSantis’ move could blur the lines between law enforcement and political agendas.
Alfieri stated that the state investigation might create confusion and potentially hinder the FBI’s handling of the case.
Palm Beach State Attorney Dave Aronberg also raised questions about the viability of a parallel state-led investigation, particularly given the federal jurisdiction over national security matters. “It’s unclear whether the state investigation will help or hinder the ongoing federal probe,” Aronberg said.
In response to the criticism, DeSantis pointed to previous examples of state authorities stepping in when federal agencies failed to act.
He cited the creation of Florida’s election police unit, which was established to address election-related crimes that were traditionally handled by local or federal entities.
While many initial cases from the unit were dropped, DeSantis successfully pushed for legislation that gave state prosecutors the authority to pursue election-related charges.
“We’ve seen time and again how important it is for the state to step up when the federal government refuses to be transparent or take action,” DeSantis said, defending his decision.
The investigation comes amid broader concerns over Trump’s security following multiple assassination attempts.
The governor emphasized the need for increased protection for the former president and criticized the federal government for not doing enough to safeguard Trump.
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On American soilpic.twitter.com/qYMTubJtFr
— Jack Poso (@JackPosobiec) September 19, 2024
As the investigation unfolds, Florida law enforcement agencies have pledged full transparency to the public.
The governor’s office has made it clear that they will not relent until all those responsible for the assassination attempt are held accountable under Florida law.
Governor DeSantis’ bold move to launch an independent state investigation underscores his commitment to ensuring justice and accountability in Florida, particularly when it comes to protecting a former president.
While concerns over jurisdiction and potential interference with federal investigations remain, the state’s determination to get answers is expected to fuel ongoing discussions about the roles of state and federal agencies in high-profile cases involving national security.
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