counterterrorism

Governor Rick Scott today signed HB 457 which creates criminal offenses for people who engage in illegal activities in connection with terrorist organizations or commit acts of terrorism.
Governor Scott said, “Last year, Florida came under attack when an ISIS-inspired terrorist stormed into Pulse Nightclub in Orlando and killed 49 innocent people. Today, while we continue to mourn this tragic loss of life, we are doing everything in our power to make sure that no family or community experiences that pain again. This important legislation will help ensure that those responsible for acts of terror like this are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and continue our efforts to prevent future attacks. I’d like to thank the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for their hard work on this bill. I’m proud to sign it into law today.”
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Rick Swearingen said, “I thank Governor Scott, the Florida Cabinet and the Legislature for their leadership and dedication to keeping Florida safe. Florida’s crime rate continues to drop thanks to the hard work and dedication of our brave law enforcement officers. It is imperative that law enforcement has the tools and resources it needs to investigate crimes related to terrorism.”
To view the transmittal letter, click HERE.

Tomorrow, January 6, Governor Rick Scott will highlight his proposal for $5.8 million in funding for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to add 46 counterterrorism agents as part of his 2017-2018 recommended budget.
WHAT: Counterterrorism Budget Highlight
WHEN: 12:00pm
WHERE: Fort Myers Regional Operations Center
4700 Terminal Drive, Suite 1
Fort Myers, Florida 33907

“Gov. Scott Requests Nearly $6 Million to Hire State Agents Dedicated to Counterterrorism Efforts”
Fox News – U.S. Cable
January 4, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.

Leaders for the Florida League of Cities and Florida Police Chiefs Association today embraced Governor Rick Scott’s call for $5.8 million to create a special unit dedicated to fighting terrorism in Florida. League of Cities President Susan Haynie, who is mayor of Boca Raton, and Florida Police Chiefs Association President Albert “Butch” Arenal, police chief of Coconut Creek, said the counterterrorism squad would help protect Floridians by effectively coordinating law enforcement resources across Florida.

Mayor Haynie and Chief Arenal issued the following statement:

“The majority of Florida’s 20 million residents live in our cities, towns, and villages, and our municipalities face the constant threat of being targeted by terrorist acts. Governor Scott’s plan will institute a dedicated team of highly skilled, well-trained, and resolute experts whose sole mission will be to address the modern scourge of terrorism. This smart, forward-thinking, and unfortunately necessary proposal represents a cost-effective way to provide Floridians with a measure of assurance that their public servants are doing everything possible to protect them. We applaud the Governor’s leadership in advocating for these 46 agents and analysts, and we urge the Legislature to help protect the people of our state, not on the basis of what this costs but because of what it likely will save: lives.”

“Gov. Scott Proposing $6 Million for FDLE Counterterrorism Agents”
CW18 WKCF – Orlando, FL
January 4, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.

Governor Rick Scott announced today that he will propose $5.8 million in funding for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to add 46 counterterrorism agents as part of his 2017-2018 recommended budget. The agents will specialize in counterterrorism and intelligence and will be organized into counterterrorism squads that are stationed in each of FDLE’s seven regions. Counterterrorism agents will work hand-in-hand with local, state and federal intelligence agencies to establish a planned, deliberate and comprehensive effort in support of domestic security.
Governor Scott said, “Today, I am proud to announce that I will include $5.8 million in funding for FDLE to strengthen their counterterrorism and intelligence efforts as part of my 2017-18 recommended budget. Terror is a threat to our state and nation and we need specialists that are solely dedicated to identifying these terrorists and stopping them before they attack.
“Just last year, Florida came under attack when a terrorist, inspired by ISIS and filled with hate, stormed into Pulse Nightclub and killed 49 innocent people. Following the attack, I spoke to many of the victims’ families and mourned with them at funerals. Their lives will never be the same, and as the father of two daughters the same age as many of the victims, I cannot imagine the pain these families are going through. This recommended funding is a critical investment in our state’s counterterrorism operations that will work to ensure that our law enforcement officers have the resources they need to curb this senseless violence.”
FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen said, “Governor Scott recognizes that we all have a role to play in defeating the terror which fueled the attack on Pulse Nightclub. I applaud the Governor for his leadership in recommending this funding which will allow FDLE to integrate additional specialized agents into existing counterterrorism intelligence networks. The 46 counterterrorism positions funded by the Governor’s recommended budget will serve a critical role in protecting Florida families from the evil of terrorism.”