AG Candidate Jay Fant: Removing Ayala from Cop Killer Case is the Right Move

by | Aug 25, 2017


This past Monday I rode an early shift with the Sheriff’s Office in the wake of the shootings of two Jacksonville law enforcement officers, and the tragic killings of the officers in Kissimmee.  The only way to truly understand the challenges of the men and women protecting our streets is not to watch the TV news but to get out there in the streets with them.

Jay Fant

One thing is abundantly clear.  It is getting more dangerous for our first responders.  Drug and gang violence is spiking and the mainstream media aren’t helping things by demonizing law enforcement when they should be elevating it.

Attacks against our safety officers must stop.  I stand with our law enforcement community and believe that anyone who attacks a law enforcement officer in cold blood should suffer the full consequences of the justice system.

That is why I believe that Governor Rick Scott made the right call taking State Attorney Aramis Ayala off the case of the Kissimmee cop killer.  Ayala is the Orlando prosecutor who has gained recent notoriety by stating that she will never pursue the death penalty.  State Attorneys are responsible for representing the people of Florida against those charged with crimes, not for finding ways to cut murderers a break.

I’ve stated on the campaign trail for Attorney General that an enemy of law enforcement has an enemy in me.  We can all do our part.  Ride a shift with your police or fire department when you can.  Then share with all who will listen how our first responders are holding that thin blue line and that thin red line for our benefit and become advocates for public safety to critics.

No more State Attorneys weak on criminals, weak on gun rights, or weak on protecting Florida families.

3 Comments

  1. Frieda Ganey

    I do not agree. She was elected to do a job. I don’t believe the governor has the right to deprive the voters of the decisions of the elected officials just because he does not agree with them.

    • Tom Ferrell

      You miss the point. Florida law calls for possible death penalty in certain instances. That possibility needs to be fairly considered. She has publicly stated that she would never consider it….she is not following the intent of Florida law, ergo, she should be removed. t966

    • Douglas Pope

      She should have made her views public during the campaign Then voters could base their choice on her principles. Three police officers were murdered and she doesn’t want to have death penalty on the table.