Attorney General Bondi’s Weekly Briefing ……….

I would like to thank Governor Rick Scott and President Donald Trump for working tirelessly to make schools safe for students. This week I joined Governor Scott and President Trump in two separate roundtable discussions about protecting students in Florida and nationwide—but we are not just talking. Action is imminent.

We must keep weapons out of the hands of the mentally ill. Threats against students have to be aggressively investigated. Schools need more resource officers now. I am working closely with leaders in the House and Senate on all these issues and more to ensure action this legislative session.

We need to amend Florida’s Baker Act to allow law enforcement officers to take guns away from mentally ill people the courts have deemed a threat. Florida needs a Gun Violence Restraining Order to keep weapons out of the hands of people who might enact the type of terror we saw in Parkland last week. My office is working with law enforcement on developing a secure-reporting app to allow students to anonymously report concerning behavior.

We must do all this and more to protect our students.

I was humbled this week to discuss these proposals with survivors of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. The courage and resolve of these students in the aftermath of such a horrific tragedy is inspiring.

These students are stepping up to protect their peers, and they are helping my office develop, design and name the secure-reporting app. I know these survivors will lead the charge to make our country stronger and our schools safer.

In the wake of this tragedy, emotions have run high and debates have raged—rightfully so. I believe these conversations are important. I also believe we are stronger when we work together. My plea and my prayer is that we put politics aside and enact solutions that will strengthen our union.

Bondi Meets Trump Over School Safety, Working To Strength Baker Act, CBS MiamiFlorida AG urges social media vigilance after school shooting, The Hill

Man arrested in identify theft scheme targeting Florida teachers, WTXL

Opioid Crisis: Florida House opioid bill passes final committee, WFTV

Arrests Made in Complex Scheme Targeting Florida’s Teachers’

Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Office of Statewide Prosecution and the Florida Department of Law enforcement announced the arrest of Ralph Alonso Everett Jr. and Isaiah Lewis, both from Miami, for allegedly organizing a scheme to steal teachers’ identities to collect unemployment checks. The defendants are responsible for losses to the State of Florida of more than $50,000.

With the assistance of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, law enforcement officers identified patterns of suspicious reemployment assistance claims being deposited into numerous bank accounts connected to the subjects. More.

Attorney General Bondi’s Statement on Passage of HB 21 by the Health & Human Services Committee

Attorney General Pam Bondi issued the following statement on unanimous approval of HB 21 by the Health & Human Services Committee. This approval means HB 21 will now be heard on the floor of the Florida House of Representatives.

“The national opioid crisis is devastating our country and Florida is fighting this crisis head-on. This legislation represents our state’s continued efforts and commitment to tackling this epidemic and save lives. Thank you, Representative Boyd, for sponsoring this life-saving legislation and making this mission one of your top priorities.” 

Attorney General Bondi’s Statement on the Passing of Brevard County Sheriff Deputy Kevin Stanton

Attorney General Pam Bondi issued the following statement regarding the tragic death of Brevard County Sheriff Deputy Kevin Stanton during a traffic accident Saturday Morning:“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Deputy Kevin Stanton and my heart breaks for his family, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and our entire law enforcement community. Law enforcement officers wake up every day not knowing what dangers lie ahead—yet they still choose to serve. Deputy Stanton died a hero, and our state is better because of brave men and women like him.”

Attorney General Bondi joining Governor Rick Scott and state and local leaders to find ways to make Florida schools safer. Full video here.

Attorney General Bondi meeting with President Donald J. Trump at The White House to discuss school safety measures. Full videohere.

Attorney General Bondi and Former Florida State University Football Coach Bobby Bowden at the Florida Legislative Prayer Breakfast.

Attorney General Bondi with Keynote Speaker, National Champion and Heisman Trophy winner, Charlie Ward at the Florida Legislative Prayer Breakfast.

Once again, I want to thank Governor Rick Scott for his leadership in the wake of this horrific tragedy. I am so thankful our state has such a strong leader.