Suspended Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren is responding after a federal judge upheld his suspension at the hands of Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Judge Robert Hinkle ruled that the governor violated Warren's First Amendment rights, but said because those violations were at the state level, he did not have the authority to reinstate Warren to his post. Warren told reporters his suspension was nothing more than a political stunt and said "this is not over."
In a brief statement to reporters late Friday afternoon, Warren called on the governor to follow the judge's suggestions, and restore him to his job as Hillsborough State Attorney. "Let's see if the governor actually believes in the rule of law," Warren said. "Let's see if the governor is actually a man of his word. Let's see what kind of man the governor actually is."
Warren did not take questions from reporters following his statement.
Hinkle ruled that the First Amendment violation was "not essential" to the suspension.
Warren's options include state courts or the Florida Senate.
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