Florida could soon become the most extreme state on the death penalty if Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signs a bill that would allow the death penalty to be imposed by an 8-4 jury vote instead of a unanimous vote.
DeSantis has called for tougher legislation since the Parkland school shooter was sentenced to life in prison for carrying out a deadly mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018.
Despite outrage over the life sentence and DeSantis’ desire to appear tough on crime as he considers a possible Presidential run, many people on Twitter criticized the Governor’s support for removing the unanimous vote requirement.
Glen Kirchner, a legal analyst, tweeted that the Florida Governor is “working hard” to earn the nickname “DeathSantis.”
DeSantis is expected to sign the bill to address criticism of his record on the death penalty.
Before 2023, the conservative Governor had only signed three death sentences since taking office in 2019, a stark contrast to his predecessor, who signed 28 in eight years.
DeSantis’s decision to move on legislation about the Sunshine State’s death penalty laws also comes at a time when his actions will be crucial for his political ambitions.
Polls show the Governor is the most credible threat to former President Donald Trump’s hopes of securing the Republican presidential nomination in 2024.
After a jury decided not to sentence the Parkland school shooter to death, DeSantis insisted that a “supermajority” should suffice for the execution.
Speaking at Florida’s Sheriff’s Association Conference, DeSantis said a “supermajority” could be the answer, saying that the state “can’t be in a situation where one person can just derail this.”
