FL Official Died After Laying Outside DeSantis' Office For 24 Minutes

TALLAHASSEE, FL — A Florida election official lay "dead or dying" outside Gov. Ron DeSantis' office for more than 20 minutes last year before anyone noticed him and provided aid, according to a report released this week by the independent online watchdog group The Florida Bulldog.

Peter Antonacci, whom DeSantis chose last year to lead the state’s controversial elections fraud office, collapsed and died outside the governor’s office after abruptly leaving a contentious meeting on Sept. 23, 2022, according to Florida Department of Law Enforcement records obtained by the Bulldog.

Initial reports only said Antonacci died of a heart attack.

The 17-page investigation obtained by the Bulldog through a public records request paints a fuller portrait of Antonacci's death.

According to the investigation, Antonacci attended a meeting with 11 other officials on the day of his death. Attendees also included Secretary of State Cord Byrd, FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass and FDLE Chief of Staff Shane Desguin.

Gov. DeSantis was not named as an attendee.

According to the investigation, Antonacci left the meeting at 1:46 p.m.

"Upon exiting the conference room, Mr. Antonacci is observed staggering as he moved forward until he collapsed to the floor. Mr. Antonacci did not appear to move once he collapsed to the floor," the investigation stated.

Antonacci was discovered by Glass at 2:10 p.m., according to the investigation. Glass administered CPR on Antonacci and was assisted by FDLE Chief of Staff Shane Desguin. Capitol Police also attempted to use an automated external defibrillator on Antonacci, but the FDLE investigation said the machine never indicated that a shock was advised, meaning it would be of no use.

Antonacci was taken to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to the investigation.

Antonacci’s wife and doctor told FDLE investigators he had a long history of heart disease and cardiac issues. When interviewed by investigators, other attendees said Antonacci appeared "agitated" during the meeting, but there were no signs he was experiencing a medical issue.

It's unclear from the investigation what was discussed during the meeting. The Bulldog said it requested the records after receiving a tip that Antonacci had died following an argument with DeSantis.