Array
An elected Florida prosecutor who was removed from office by Gov. Ron DeSantis because of his positions on abortion and transgender rights filed suit Wednesday to get his job back, saying the Republican leader violated his First Amendment rights.
DeSantis said he suspended Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren this month for signing a national pledge to not prosecute women and doctors for violating state abortion laws or families seeking treatments for transgender minors.
“DeSantis’s Order does not identify any actual conduct by Warren related to his official duties involving alleged criminal activity for seeking gender affirming healthcare or abortion,” the lawsuit says. “DeSantis’s Order does not identify any other conduct by Warren or other reason sufficient to justify a suspension.”
DeSantis, who has come under attack by Democrats for his support of abortion restrictions and bills he’s signed that are seen as anti-LGBTQ, held a campaign-like event to announce Warren’s suspension, with supporters cheering the decision.
Now seeking re-election in November and positioning himself as a potential 2024 presidential candidate, the governor cited Warren’s “neglect of duty” and other alleged violations.
