Gov. DeSantis Suspends Democratic State Attorney Monique Worrell

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Orlando's top prosecutor Wednesday, accusing her of negligence and incompetence, according to a news release from his office.

In the announcement, DeSantis accused State Attorney Monique Worrell of the 9th Judicial Circuit of "neglecting her duty to prosecute crime in her jurisdiction faithfully and "endangering the innocent civilians of Orange and Osceola counties."

The suspension marks the second time DeSantis, a Republican, has suspended a Democratic state attorney. He suspended Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren after the twice-elected prosecutor vowed not to criminally charge seekers or providers of abortion or gender transition treatments.

• RELATED: DeSantis Suspends Hillsborough State Attorney For 'Neglect Of Duty'

"It is my duty as Governor to ensure that the laws enacted by our duly elected Legislature are followed," DeSantis said. "The people of Central Florida deserve to have a state attorney who will seek justice in accordance with the law instead of allowing violent criminals to roam the streets and find new victims."

The governor has the authority to suspend a state officer under Article IV, Section 7 of the Florida Constitution.

According to an Associated Press report, DeSantis' office began investigating Worrell after 19-year-old Keith Moses was charged with murder in the deaths of Spectrum News 13 report Dylan Lyons, Nathacha Augustin and 9-year-old T'yonna Major.

Shortly after the shooting, DeSantis' general counsel said in a letter to Worrell that she failed to hold Moses accountable despite his criminal record and gang affiliation, the AP reported.

DeSantis appointed Andrew Bain, an Orange County judge, to replace Worrell. Bain previously served as assistant state attorney in Orlando, according to The Associated Press.

Shortly after the announcement, Worrell vowed to seek re-election next year and criticized the suspension, calling it politically motivated, the AP reported. She also suggested the decision was to distract from recent campaign struggles as DeSantis seeks the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.

"He needed to get back in the media in some positive way that would be red meat for his base and he will have accomplished that today," Worrell said. "He replaced his campaign manager yesterday, and I guess today it's my turn."