Andrew Warren, a Democrat suspended on Thursday from his twice-elected post as state attorney in Hillsborough County and escorted from his office, announced in a Facebook video message that he plans a "vigorous defense" by his legal team.
DeSantis, pursuing re-election in November and is considered a potential 2024 presidential candidate, blamed the Democratic attorney for "incompetence and willful defiance."
The Republican governor DeSantis appointed Hillsborough County Judge Susan Lopez to serve in Warren's place throughout his suspension.
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In a press conference on Thursday announcing his decision, DeSantis described Warren as being "Soros-backed," a reference to liberal billionaire philanthropist George Soros.
"I'm not going down without a fight," Warren stated on the video. "I refuse to let this man trample on your freedoms to speak your mind, to make your own health care decisions, and to have your vote count."
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He continued: "Ron DeSantis is trying to overthrow democracy in Florida. His plot to suspend me blatantly violates the most fundamental basis of our democracy — your vote."
Warren continued: "I was elected because the people of this county share my vision for criminal justice, trust my judgment, and have seen your success. I swore to uphold the Constitution, and that's exactly what I've done. DeSantis is trying to take away my job for doing my job."
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The three matters that DeSantis cited as the reason for the suspension were: Warren's promise not to prosecute women or abortion providers who defy the state's 15-week abortion ban, his office's policy not prosecuting low-level first time offenses and for pledging not to prosecute anyone providing gender reassignment surgery to minors.
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In his defiant video, Warren continued: "DeSantis is trying to take away my job for doing my job. He came to Tampa, to Hillsboro County, to illegally remove me as part of some political circus."
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"Ron DeSantis doesn't get to hand-pick Flordia's state attorneys," Warren said. "You, the people do. We've all seen the consequences of politicians who think they're above the law and can do whatever they want. That's why DeSantis and his abuse of power must be stopped."
Warren stated in conclusion: "I refuse to let this man trample on your freedoms — to speak your mind, to make your own health care decisions and to have your vote count."
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