WASHINGTON— Florida Rep. Randy Fine is the latest lawmaker to call for Gov. Ron DeSantis to remove Palmetto Bay Councilman Steve Cody over his insensitive and offensive remarks about conservative Charlie Kirk, who was recently assassinated on the campus of Utah Valley University.
"Charlie Kirk is a fitting sacrifice to our Lords: Smith & Wesson. Hallowed be their names," Councilman Cody wrote on social media.
“Celebrating the horrific assassination of one (sic) America’s leading Conservative voices is reprehensible and violates the public trust,” stated Rep. Fine in a letter to Gov. DeSantis. “Public officials celebrating political violence have no place in civil society, and should not be entrusted with any type of leadership role. If Councilman Cody refuses to resign voluntarily, I respectfully urge you to take immediate action to suspend him from office,” continued Fine.
Since making his highly offensive and insensitive remark, Cody has apologized and removed the post, but that doesn’t appear to be enough for Republicans.
"I do not support violence, political or non-political violence," Cody stated.
Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) Chairman Evan Power has also called for Cody to resign from the city council.
“Cody must resign,” stated Power.
But just as the calls for Gov. DeSantis to remove Cody, it doesn’t appear that he can.
According to DeSantis’ office, the governor “currently doesn’t have the legal authority” to remove Cody.
The New College of Florida has announced that it will commission a statue of Charlie Kirk.
