Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., is an outspoken critic of many of the federal government’s COVID-19 policies, specifically mask and vaccine mandates. Now, the potential 2024 presidential candidate is asking Florida’s Supreme Court to impanel a grand jury to investigate “any and all wrongdoing” in regard to COVID-19 vaccines.
“Because in Florida, it is against the law to mislead and misrepresent,” DeSantis said. “Particularly when you talk about the efficacy of a drug.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis on plan to investigate potential mRNA COVID-19 vaccine wrongdoing: "It is against the law to mislead and to misrepresent, particularly when you're talking about the efficacy of a drug." pic.twitter.com/39ITxvMStj
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) December 13, 2022
The governor made the announcement during a roundtable discussion with the state’s surgeon general and a panel of scientists and physicians. DeSantis called the group the Public Health Integrity Committee. Much of the discussion centered around the politicization of medical science during the pandemic.
DeSantis did not elaborate on what sort of wrongdoing he thinks the grand jury should investigate. He did suggest part of the grand jury’s mission would be jogging loose more information about COVID-19 vaccines and their potential harmful side effects, like myocarditis.
DeSantis did not mention any vaccine makers by name. Although, he’s spoken many times before about holding vaccine makers accountable.
Florida grand juries usually have 18 people on them. They have the authority to investigate criminal activity and can also issue indictments. DeSantis said he expects Florida’s Supreme Court to approve his request soon. The statewide grand jury will likely be empaneled in Tampa Bay. DeSantis said with a grand jury comes legal processes that will allow the state to bring legal accountability to those who committed misconduct, whomever they may be.
