Florida sheriff tells staff he expects to be suspended over Parkland shooting

Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel, who endured fierce criticism in the wake of February’s shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., has indicated to colleagues he expects to be suspended or removed from office, according to multiple reports.

The Miami Herald and The Miami New Times reported Tuesday that Israel told staff that he felt his removal was inevitable.

“We know that he is telling everyone at the public safety building that he is going to be gone,’’ Jeff Bell, the head of the Broward Sheriff’s Office’s union, told The Miami Herald.

{mosads}The Broward Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

One of Israel’s lawyers told the news outlet that the sheriff was at work on Tuesday, and that they have not heard from the governor’s office about his fate.

Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), who was sworn in on Tuesday, has not made a formal announcement about Israel’s fate. 

DeSantis’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Miami New Times reported that Israel is prepared to appeal his removal, which could set up a trial in the Florida Senate.

Israel and his office endured scrutiny after last February’s shooting at the Parkland high school that left 17 people dead and several others injured.

The sheriff revealed following the shooting that his agency received 18 tips about the suspected gunman prior to the incident.

In addition, the sheriff’s deputy assigned to the school and other deputies on the scene did not confront the shooter as the massacre unfolded.

Israel defended his performance at the time, saying that he’d given the department “amazing leadership” and that the entire office should not be judged by the actions of the deputy who did not enter the school. 

Parents of the victims and lawmakers have called for Israel’s suspension or resignation.