Last week, Sheriff Steve Israel of Broward County, Florida dodged questions from a local reporter over his handling of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
Israel was caught politicking at a local Democratic club and seemed to taunt the reporter as he was leaving.
Israel had been avoiding the media since a disastrous interview on CNN last month. In a one-on-one with Jake Tapper, Israel refused to take responsibility for the cowardice of four deputies who refused to enter the school during the shooting and for missing dozens of red flags in the weeks and months leading up to the massacre. Indeed, Israel said, “I’ve given amazing leadership.”
Local 10 News reporter Bob Norman caught up with Sheriff Israel at the Wings Plus restaurant. There the Weston Democratic Club was meeting. In front of the sympathetic audience, Israel blamed “partisan Republican politics” for the criticisms of him and his agency.
However, instead of answering Norman’s questions, Israel attacked Norman’s reporting. Israel said he was disappointed in Norman’s “constant reporting” and “misrepresentations.” When Norman asked Israel what misrepresentations he made, Israel didn’t answer.
When Norman again caught up with Israel, he still refused to answer Norman’s questions.
“If you’re disappointed in me, I think there’s a lot of people disappointed in you,” Norman countered.
“You know, I disagree with you,” Israel said.
“You haven’t heard?” Norman asked. “About the country being disappointed in you and the [Broward Sheriff’s Office]?”
“No, not at all,” Israel said. “My job is to protect and serve the Broward County residents.”
“Did you do that?” Norman asked. “Did you do that?”
“But when the report is in, we’ll have that conversation,” Israel said.
The report Israel is referring to is an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The effort was ordered by Florida Governor Rick Scott after more than 70 legislators called for Israel’s suspension. The local sheriff deputies’ union is considering a vote of no confidence in Israel.
As Israel was leaving the restaurant, he appeared to taunt Norman. “You seem to be getting angry,” he told Norman as he closed the door of a black SUV.
(Video H/T the Daily Wire)
AAN Staff
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