Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony — who was appointed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis — doesn’t think teachers should carry guns at school.
Tony sent a letter to the Broward County School Board and Superintendent Robert Runcie Wednesday informing them he’s concerned that “having untrained personnel carrying firearms is more likely to create a tragic scenario where innocent people can get injured or killed.”
“This program would place students, teachers, and first responders at risk, when our focus should be on keeping our children safe and making schools places where students feel they belong,” Tony wrote.
The Florida Legislature approved legislation this week that allows school boards to authorize the arming of teachers. Educators would need to complete at least 144 hours of training to participate.
The Broward County School Board adopted a resolution against arming teachers after last year’s Parkland school shooting that left 17 students and staff dead.
DeSantis, who must sign the bill for it to become law, indicated he was open to teachers carrying guns as long as they did so voluntarily and were trained.
Shortly after taking office, DeSantis suspended Broward Sheriff Scott Israel and replaced him with Tony. DeSantis cited failures related to the mass shootings in Parkland and at the Fort Lauderdale airport as the reasons why he suspended Israel.
Tony has been registered as a Democrat and as a Republican at different points in his life, according to public records. He has announced plans to run for sheriff as a Democrat in 2020.
Israel, a Democrat, is contesting his suspension in the Florida Senate and has vowed to try to regain his post in next year’s election.
sswisher@sunsentinel.com, 561-243-6634 or @SkylerSwisher