Sheriff Gregory Tony is calling out candidate Scott Israel for proudly accepting the endorsement of the Police Benevolent Association.
In a letter sent to Scott Israel today, Sheriff Tony calls on Scott Israel to reject the endorsement of the PBA, a police union which has endorsed Donald Trump for President and stands against the calls by the Black Lives Matter movement for meaningful police reform, including the adoption of independent citizen review panels.
The letter, sent by Sheriff Gregory Tony, is attached and below:
“Mr. Scott Israel,
I am writing to you because you have been endorsed by, and have proudly touted, the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) in the race for Sheriff.
This is a group that has endorsed Donald Trump for President.
This is a group that rejects the calls by the Black Lives Matter movement for police reform.
This is a group that rejects independent citizen review panels to hold police conduct to a high standard.
How can you accept this endorsement while claiming to support police reform? Either you are lying to the police union or lying to the voters of Broward County.
I call on you to reject this endorsement.
Here in Broward County and across the nation, hundreds of thousands of Americans have peacefully protested the treatment by law enforcement of Black and brown communities. Their concerns matter and require action by law enforcement leaders everywhere.
Two weeks ago, I challenged every Democrat in this race to stand with Democrats and police reform. You did not respond. I hope you take this opportunity to reject this endorsement, to stand with Black Lives Matter, to stand with your community, and to stand against Donald Trump.
I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Sheriff Gregory Tony
