This week, Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis prioritized honoring a hero over politics.
According to the New York Post, DeSantis was set to speak Sunday at a $25,000-per-plate dinner in behalf of Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin of New York, who is opposing Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul.
He canceled his trip, though.
“An unforeseen tragedy forced Governor DeSantis to reschedule his trip to New York,” Zeldin spokeswoman Katie Vincentz said Sunday, according to the Post.
Monday evening, the nature of the catastrophe became clear. According to the New York Post, DeSantis attended the funeral of Florida Department of Law Enforcement Special Agent Jose Perez on Monday.
According to The Post, Zeldon told event guests that Perez was a member of DeSantis’ security detail.
On August 2, Perez was struck by Javier Sandoval, 35, while attending to a call in Miami. Later, Sandoval was arrested and is now facing various accusations. Perez died on Aug. 20.
“Today we mourn the tragic loss of FDLE Special Agent Jose Perez, who died in the line of duty,” Florida’s first lady tweeted. “With over 20 years in the U.S. armed forces & more than 30 years in law enforcement, he lived a valiant life serving our nation & state. The entire @fdlepio community is in our prayers.”
Today we mourn the tragic loss of FDLE Special Agent Jose Perez, who died in the line of duty. With over 20 years in the U.S. armed forces & more than 30 years in law enforcement, he lived a valiant life serving our nation & state. The entire @fdlepio community is in our prayers. pic.twitter.com/uLabr70SJh
— Casey DeSantis (@CaseyDeSantis) August 29, 2022
According to Politico, DeSantis communications director Taryn Fenske confirmed the governor’s attendance at the Monday services.
WSVN reported that DeSantis, Lt. Governor Jeanette Nuez, and Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody were present during Perez’s burial.
Friday, DeSantis issued an order for flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Perez on Monday.
NEW: Gov. Ron DeSantis attended a funeral today for Florida law enforcement agent Jose Perez who died in the line of dutyhttps://t.co/5mTdTGxzpE
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) August 29, 2022
More on this story via The Western Journal:
“On Saturday, August 20, 2022, Special Agent Jose Perez passed away 17 days after sustaining injuries from a vehicle crash while responding to a building alarm. Special Agent Perez joined the Florida Department of Law Enforcement after retiring as a major from the Miami Police Department in 2018, serving over 26 years. Before serving in law enforcement, Perez served in the United States Marine Corps, the United States Navy, and the United States Army over the course of 21 years. He will be remembered for his dedication to public service as well as his sacrifice for the people of Florida and the United States of America,” the order said. CONTINUE READING…