Scott announces new state attorney and task force in response to Martin shooting

Gov. Rick Scott and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi have worked together to appoint Angela B. Corey (of the 4th Judicial Circuit) as the newly assigned state attorney in the investigation into the death of Trayvon Martin.

The governor and attorney general reached out to State Attorney Norman Wolfinger and spoke to her about the Martin incident. After the conversation, Wolfinger decided to step down from this investigation and turn it over to another state attorney.

Scott also announced the formation of a task force which will convene following the conclusion of the investigation by Corey.


"As law enforcement investigates the death of Trayvon Martin, Floridians and others around the country have rightly recognized this as a terrible tragedy. Like all Floridians, I believe we must take steps to ensure tragedies like this are avoided," Scott said.

Scott's Task Force on Citizen Safety and Protection will be chaired by Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll.

"The Task Force will hold public hearings, take testimony, solicit ideas and review all matters related to the rights of all Floridians to feel safe and secure in our state," Scott said. "As we exercise our right to be free and secure both in public and in the privacy of our own homes it is important that we have an open and honest discussion on these issues so that we might help avoid such tragedies in the future."

Photo: Deveron Brown, a Tallahassee defense attorney, speaks to the Florida governor about the Martin incident.