Broward Sheriff Tony Disagrees With Parkland Verdict

Political figures continue to respond to the Parkland shooting verdict, expressing their disapproval of the jury's decision. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) commented on the ruling during a press conference, sharing that he was "disappointed" in the ruling. Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony has now responded to the ruling, sharing that he also disagrees with the verdict.

In a statement shared on social media, Sheriff Tony voiced his displeasure with the verdict.

“I was hopefully optimistic that today’s verdict would provide equitable justice and a degree of closure for the victims’ family members,” Tony said, explaining that “the evidence provided in this case was overwhelming, and the nature of the defendant’s atrocities demonstrated a deliberate and calculated act of unprecedented violence on helpless unarmed children and adults.”

“Despite the fact that the defendant slaughtered 17 innocent people without any remorse, the jury chose to spare his life.," Tony continued, admitting, "I disagree with their verdict.”

The Broward Sheriff concluded by saying that “every aspect of our criminal justice system collectively failed the victims and their families. Today, the victims’ families were re-victimized.” Similarly, Governor DeSantis shared the same feelings, lamenting the amount of time it took to convict the shooter. He went on to criticize the legal system, saying that the shooter is "guilty, everybody knew that from the beginning, and yet it takes years and years in this legal system that is not serving the interests of victims."

Parkland parents also disapproved in the decision to spare the shooter from the death penalty.

Manuel Oliver, who lost his son, 17-year-old son Joaquin, said that "the death penalty was not enough." Given the ruling, Oliver explained that the difficult part of it is learning "to deal with the fact that this guy ... is going to have a chance to have a hobby, and enjoy three meals and, you know, read every single day. I don't like that. I hope that justice appears in any way at some point."