TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A state attorney in Florida told his staff he can't legally help his elected replacement take over his seat because Gov. Ron DeSantis had already suspended the Democrat from the office, according to an internal email obtained by The Associated Press. An executive order issued by DeSantis in 2023 suspending then-State Attorney Monique Worrell from office is still in effect, argued state attorney Andrew Bain in a message sent to staff on Monday. The governor appointed Bain to the 9th Judicial Circuit to replace Worrell, who beat him in last month's election to retake the Orlando metro area's top prosecutor's office. “While I accept the results of the election and wish to do everything I can to ensure the Office is successful going forward, I do not yet feel I can assist her in that transition,” Bain wrote. Worrell's new term is slated to begin Jan. 7, 2025. She is one of two elected state attorneys, both Democrats, who DeSantis has removed from office. DeSantis said Worrell failed to prosecute minors and didn’t seek mandatory minimum sentences for gun crimes, putting her central Florida district in danger. She disputed his criticism as false and politically driven . DeSantis and other Republicans across the U.S. have called Democratic prosecutors' decisions into question. Bain said in the email shared with the AP that Worrell's suspension must be resolved by either another executive order by DeSantis or a decision by the Florida Senate, which reviews the cases of elected officials suspended from office. “Without one of these things, I do not feel I can lawfully assist in a transition to an individual whose lawful suspension was affirmed by the Florida Supreme Court ,” Bain wrote. “We are living through an unprecedented legal event without clear answers.” Representatives for Bain did not respond to phone and email inquiries from the AP. A statement posted to the state attorney's website Monday appeared to contradict Bain's message to staff. “The state attorney is ready and willing to ensure a smooth transition,” reads a message released by the agency's public information office. “The state attorney’s term ends Jan. 6, 2025, and he will no longer be in office. Ms. Worrell’s term will begin Jan. 7, 2025. It is the intent of the state attorney to enforce the will of the people.” Worrell criticized Bain's statements as a “betrayal of democratic principles” and argued that the executive order suspending her expired with the 2024 election. “No executive order, no political maneuver, and certainly no personal grievance can override the will of the people,” Worrell said in a statement. “Any delay in the transition process is a direct affront to the very people this office serves.” A spokesperson for DeSantis pointed to the statement released by the state attorney's public information office and didn't respond to other questions from the AP. ___ Kate Payne is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
Barry Keoghan responds to rumours following Sabrina Carpenter split Barry Keoghan reacts to being ‘dragged’ on social media after breakup Barry Keoghan broke his silence on the rumours circulating online after his recent split with popstar Sabrina Carpenter. The 32-year-old deactivated his Instagram account on Saturday, December 7th and made a statement on X regarding the backlash. “I can only sit and take so much. My name has been dragged across the internet in ways I usually don't respond too,” the Irish actor penned in a lengthy statement. “I have to respond now because it's gettin to a place where there are too many lines being crossed,” he continued. Discussing his disappearance from Instagram, the Saltburn star wrote, “I deactivated my account because I can no longer let this stuff distract from my family and my work. The messages I have received no person should ever have to read them. Absolute lies, hatred, disgusting commentary about my appearance, character, how I am as a parent and every other inhumane thing you can imagine.” “Dragging my character and everything I worked extremely hard for and stand for. Talking about how I was a heroine baby and how I grew up and dragging my dear mother into it also. Knocking on my grannies door.” “Sitting outside my baby boys house intimidating them. Thats crossing a line. Each and every day I work harder to push myself on every level to be the healthiest and strongest person for that boy. I want to provide opportunities for him to learn, fail and grow. I want him to be able to look up to his daddy, to have full trust in me and know I will have his back no matter what.” The Banshees of Inisherin actor concluded the statement by writing, “I need you to remember he has to read ALL of this about his father when he is older. Please be respectful to all. Thank u x.” This comes after Barry deactivated his Instagram account following his split from the Espresso hitmaker. Brittany Cartwright reveals plans for first holidays after Jax Taylor split Khloe Kardashian, Kris Jenner step out for Christmas shopping spree Lisa Kudrow dishes on reason why ‘Friends’ is still popular Gigi Hadid stuns onlookers with cosy appearance in NYC
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