Politics
Moskowitz Urges National Unity Amid Trump Assassination Attempt Investigation
Published
2 years agoon
Parkland, Fla. (FNN) – Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-Florida) issued a statement regarding the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump on Saturday in Butler, Pennsylvania:
“The assassination attempt on former President Trump’s life this weekend was not only a chilling moment in our country’s history but also a security failure. As the former Emergency Management Director for Florida, I believe there was a fundamental breakdown by law enforcement that we must urgently investigate and address to prevent future incidents. I applaud President Biden and Speaker Johnson’s bipartisan calls for an independent investigation and commend congressional leaders for taking action to get to the bottom of this national tragedy. As someone whose hometown of Parkland was devastated by gun violence, I mourn for the attendee at the rally who lost their life and for the survivors whose lives will never be the same. Now is not the time for partisan politics or making baseless accusations to foment more violence. Now is the time to lower the temperature and condemn political violence no matter what side of the aisle you are on,” said Moskowitz.
Key Points:
- Security Failure: Moskowitz highlights a fundamental breakdown by law enforcement.
- Bipartisan Effort: Commends President Biden and Speaker Johnson for calling for an independent investigation.
- National Tragedy: Emphasizes the need to address this incident urgently to prevent future occurrences.
- Condemns Violence: Urges the nation to lower the temperature and condemn political violence.
- Parkland Connection: Reflects on the impact of gun violence in his hometown.
- Calls for Unity: Stresses the importance of national unity in the face of tragedy.
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Florida
Alex Vindman Calls on Ashley Moody to Support Release of Hope Florida Grand Jury Report
Published
20 minutes agoon
August 1, 2026TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Alex Vindman renewed criticism of U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody this week, calling on her to publicly support the release of the confidential Hope Florida grand jury report as questions surrounding the state’s controversial Medicaid settlement continue to draw statewide attention.
Vindman made the remarks during a Thursday news conference at the Florida Capitol alongside supporters, including a registered Republican, arguing that Florida voters deserve greater transparency regarding the Hope Florida investigation.
Vindman Launches New Campaign Website
The Vindman campaign also unveiled a new campaign website, MoodyCorruption.com, highlighting Moody’s role in the Hope Florida controversy and encouraging voters to contact public officials in support of releasing the grand jury report.
The campaign said the website was launched following recent reporting by the Miami Herald examining additional connections between Moody’s Senate campaign and the Hope Florida controversy.
Focus on Attorney General’s Role
Vindman criticized Moody’s actions while she served as Florida attorney general, pointing to the Attorney General’s Office’s approval of a $10 million Medicaid settlement transfer that later became the focus of legislative and criminal scrutiny.
According to public reporting, the settlement funds originated from a Medicaid agreement involving Centene Corp. before money was later directed through the Hope Florida Foundation and subsequently distributed to nonprofit organizations that later contributed to political committees. Investigations into the transactions have generated legislative hearings, public records litigation and criminal inquiries.
Vindman argued that the public deserves to know what conclusions, if any, a statewide grand jury reached during its investigation.
“If she has nothing to hide, she should go ahead and call for this release,” Vindman told reporters.
Grand Jury Report Remains Sealed
A central issue in the controversy is whether the final statewide grand jury report should remain confidential.
Court records indicate objections have been filed seeking to prevent or delay public release of the report. The identities of those objecting have not been publicly confirmed through court filings.
A judge is expected to determine whether the report, or portions of it, should become public.
Media Coverage Highlights
Vindman’s news conference received statewide media coverage.
WFSU reported that Vindman focused on CBS News reporting concerning Moody’s role in approving the original settlement agreement while serving as attorney general.
WUSF reported Vindman argued voters should consider the controversy as they evaluate candidates in Florida’s 2026 U.S. Senate race.
CBS Miami highlighted Vindman’s challenge for Moody to publicly support releasing the grand jury findings.
WFLA News Channel 8 reported Moody had been scheduled for an interview but that her campaign later requested to reschedule.
ABC 20 reported ongoing litigation surrounding the confidential grand jury report while covering Vindman’s criticism of Moody.
Spectrum News noted Democrats continue pressing for disclosure of the report, citing public records showing the Attorney General’s Office approved the initial transfer that later became the subject of controversy.
Moody Has Not Publicly Called for Release
As of Friday, Moody had not publicly announced support for releasing the confidential grand jury report.
The report remains under court review, and no final judicial decision has been issued regarding whether it will be released.
Why the Report Matters
Supporters of disclosure argue the public has a right to understand how taxpayer-related Medicaid settlement funds were handled and whether investigators identified misconduct or recommended reforms.
Those opposing disclosure contend grand jury secrecy protects ongoing legal interests and confidential proceedings until a court determines what may legally be released.
The court’s decision could significantly shape public understanding of one of Florida’s highest-profile political controversies as the 2026 U.S. Senate campaign continues.
Central Florida News
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings Says Surgery Was Successful, Thanks Community for Support
Published
2 days agoon
July 30, 2026ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings announced that his surgery was successful and expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he has received from the community as he begins his recovery.
In a statement released Tuesday, Demings said his physicians remain optimistic about his progress and that he looks forward to returning to public service after completing the recovery period recommended by his medical team.
“I appreciate the outpouring of support from our community. My surgery went well, and my doctors remain very optimistic about my recovery. I look forward to getting back to serving the residents of Orange County after taking the time my doctors have recommended for my recovery,” Demings said.
Central Florida News
Orange County Fire Chief Anthony Rios Resigns Following Budget Meeting; Mayor Demings Briefs County Commissioners
Published
2 days agoon
July 30, 2026ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Orange County Fire Rescue Chief Anthony Rios has resigned, effective July 31, following questions raised during a recent Orange County Board of County Commissioners budget workshop regarding the purchase of a county-issued vehicle and his responses to commissioners.
Mayor Jerry L. Demings informed members of the Board of County Commissioners of Rios’ resignation in a memorandum following the chief’s decision to step down. The resignation comes just over a year after Demings appointed Rios to lead one of Florida’s largest fire-rescue agencies.
According to Rios’ resignation letter, the purchase of the county-assigned vehicle complied with Orange County procurement policies and procedures. However, he acknowledged that his explanation during the budget presentation “did not fully communicate the complete context” and could reasonably have been perceived as inaccurate. Rios accepted responsibility for his remarks and said his resignation was in the best interest of the department.
“Throughout my career, I have sought to lead with accountability, transparency, and integrity,” Rios wrote in his resignation letter. “Those values have guided every decision I have made, and they continue to guide this one.”
Appointment Lasted Just Over One Year
Mayor Demings appointed Rios as Orange County Fire Chief in April 2025 after a 24-year career with Orange County Fire Rescue. Before becoming chief, Rios served as Deputy Fire Chief of Administration and previously held positions in field operations, emergency management and executive leadership. He also served as a sworn corrections officer and reserve deputy sheriff during his public safety career.
At the time of his appointment, Demings praised Rios’ leadership and expressed confidence in his ability to guide the department, which serves one of the fastest-growing counties in Florida.
Budget Workshop Sparked Questions
The resignation follows a recent budget workshop where county commissioners questioned Rios regarding the acquisition of a county-issued vehicle as well as other Fire Rescue budget matters. Following that exchange, Rios determined that stepping aside was the appropriate course of action.
In his resignation letter, Rios emphasized that while the procurement itself complied with county policies, he recognized that public confidence depends not only on compliance but also on complete transparency and accurate communication.
He thanked Mayor Demings, the Board of County Commissioners, county administration and Orange County Fire Rescue employees for their support throughout his career.
Rios also stated that he believes the department has become stronger and better prepared to serve residents during his tenure.
Leadership Transition
Orange County has not yet publicly announced a permanent successor to lead the Fire Rescue Department.
The Orange County Fire Rescue Department is among the largest emergency response agencies in Florida, providing fire suppression, emergency medical services, technical rescue and disaster response throughout Orange County.
Mayor Demings and the Board of County Commissioners are expected to oversee the transition process while ensuring continuity of operations during the leadership change.
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