Ron DeSantis Suspends Florida Prosecutor Monique Worrell, Drawing Criticism from Civil Rights Groups

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has suspended another top prosecutor, State Attorney Monique Worrell, a Democrat who is the only Black woman serving as a local prosecutor in the state. The move comes as DeSantis, who is running for the Republican presidential nomination, has repeatedly criticized Worrell for her progressive and reform-minded approach to criminal justice.

DeSantis announced the suspension on Wednesday morning at a press conference, claiming Worrell was too soft on crime in her Orlando-area district. He cited her 2020 campaign promises to reduce incarceration and reform the criminal justice system.

“Prosecutors have a duty to faithfully enforce a law,” DeSantis said. “One’s political agenda cannot trump this solemn duty. Accordingly, I am today announcing the suspension of State Attorney Monique Worrell.”

This is not the first time DeSantis has suspended a local prosecutor. In August 2022, he suspended Tampa-area prosecutor Andrew Warren for signaling he would not bring charges under Florida’s new 15-week abortion ban.

The suspension of Worrell has been met with criticism from civil rights groups, who argue that DeSantis is attempting to undermine the will of the people. Worrell was elected to her office in 2020 and her campaign promises included reducing incarceration and reforming the criminal justice system.

A federal judge has called DeSantis’ decision unconstitutional but said he could not overturn the suspension. The case is now being appealed to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.