DeSantis backs out of Zeldin fundraiser in order to attend service for fallen Florida officer

According to a report by The New York Post, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis attended a memorial service for a member of his security team on Monday who died in the line of duty and therefore backed out of a fundraiser which is taking place for New York gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin. Zeldin’s $25,000 a plate fundraiser will take place in Oyster Bay.

“An unforeseen tragedy forced Governor DeSantis to reschedule his trip to New York,” Zeldin spokeswoman Katie Vincentz said, declining to elaborate. “While we’re rescheduling with Governor DeSantis for a later date, tonight’s fundraiser will proceed and is expected to raise almost a million dollars.”

Special Agent Jose Perez was driving his car on August 2nd when a reportedly drunk driver crashed into his car. Perez was transported to hospital and remained there for 18 years before passing away from his injuries.

The other driver, Javier Sandoval, 35, has been apprehended and charged with DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide, as per the New York Post. Sandoval was previously convicted of DUI in 2008, according to Miami-Dade Police.

The memorial for Perez took place on Monday. “Today we mourn the tragic loss of FDLE Special Agent Jose Perez, who died in the line of duty,” Florida first lady Casey DeSantis wrote on Twitter ahead of the service Monday. “With over 20 years in the U.S. armed forces & more than 30 years in law enforcement, he lived a valiant life serving our nation & state. The entire @fdlepio community is in our prayers.”

New York Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs strongly condemned both DeSantis and Zelden during a recent press call.

“Lee Zeldin and Ron DeSantis are not just any Republicans. They are cut from the same cloth of the far-right fringe who want to roll back fundamental rights and push an extreme agenda here on New Yorkers. Both are pushing an anti-abortion agenda that is far too dangerous for New Yorkers. Both hold views that are completely out of touch with New Yorkers’ priorities, and both continue to spread dangerous election conspiracy theories that threaten our democracy,” Jacobs said.