Florida Supreme Court rules governor had legal authority to suspend Broward Sheriff Scott Israel

Suspended Broward Sheriff Scott Israel lost his fight Tuesday to have the Florida Supreme Court return him to duty.

The court ruled that Gov. Ron DeSantis had the constitutional authority to suspend Israel for lapses in his agency when responding to mass shootings at Marjory Stoneman High School in Parkland and the Fort Lauderdale airport.

Israel argued the suspension was politically motivated and usurped the will of voters.

He can still fight his suspension in the Florida Senate, which is responsible for upholding or overturning the governor’s suspension.