Gov. Ron DeSantis Suspends Broward Sheriff Scott Israel, Appoints Gregory Tony To Take Over

By  //  January 11, 2019

Scott Israel – Broward County Sheriff since 2013

ABOVE VIDEO: Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel makes remarks following newly sworn-in Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ announcement of Israel’s suspension.

BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 19-14, formally suspending Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel, effective immediately on Friday.

“Sheriff Israel has repeatedly failed and has demonstrated a pattern of poor leadership,” said Gov. DeSantis.

“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.”

Broward Sheriff Scott Israel (left) is replaced by Gregory Tony (right). Tony is a former Coral Springs Police Sergeant and is Broward County’s first African-American Sheriff.

Gov. DeSantis also formally announced Israel’s replacement on Friday and appointed Gregory Tony as Sheriff of Broward County.

Tony, a former Coral Springs Police Sergeant, will serve as Broward County’s first African-American Sheriff.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Calls for Resignations of Governing Board Members of South Florida Water Management DistrictRelated Story:
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Calls for Resignations of Governing Board Members of South Florida Water Management District

“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.”

CLICK HERE FOR BREVARD COUNTY NEWS