Ron DeSantis suspends Florida prosector who promised not to enforce abortion ban

Ron DeSantis, the Republican governor of Florida, suspended the elected state prosecutor of Tampa on Thursday, for pledging not to enforce a new 15-week abortion ban and for supporting gender transition treatments for minors.

Warren, a Democrat, was elected in 2016 and in 2020. His office did not immediately return an email seeking comment.

The suspension comes as DeSantis runs for re-election and builds his national profile as a potential 2024 Republican presidential candidate through near constant criticism of liberal policies on abortion, policing and other culture war issues.

Fentrice Driskell, a Tampa Democrat and leader-designate of the Florida house Democratic caucus, said Warren had been using his prosecutorial discretion appropriately.

Violators could face up to five years in prison. Physicians and other medical professionals could lose licenses and face fines of $10,000 for each violation.