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May 19, 2023 | 22:57
Ron DeSantis hit back at Pastor Al Sharpton’s tribute to Jordan Neely.
AP
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ political team hit back Friday night after Al Sharpton criticized the 2024 presidential candidate during a tribute to a man who died in the New York subway system.
Authorities in New York said Jordan Neely, 30, died May 1 of neck compression after he was placed in a chokehold by Daniel Penny, a 24-year-old Marine veteran who is charged with one count of second-degree murder.
DeSantis, also a veteran, praised Penny on Tuesday for acting to protect others, saying, “I think being able to step in as a Good Samaritan and protect people — I think that’s something that was the right thing to do. And I don’t think he should be prosecuted.”
Sharpton gave a tribute to Neely at Harlem’s Mount Neboh Baptist Church Friday morning, slamming DeSantis for his comments.
“I know, Governor DeSantis, you’re putting black history and LGBTQ and Latino out of school, but I have a Bible to put in the governor’s office,” Sharpton said. “Because you obviously don’t know what the Good Samaritan was. Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan.”
DeSanti’s press secretary Bryan Griffin criticized Sharpton for using his tribute to attack the governor.
“Democrats never miss an opportunity to take a political jab and try to further divide our country — even at a funeral,” Griffin told Fox News Digital. “Save your breath, Reverend Sharpton. These attacks are simply not working on Governor DeSantis. He is not afraid to speak the truth.”
Sharpton said during Neely’s funeral that “they put their arms around all of us.”
“We’re not here because of natural causes, we’re here because of unnatural policies,” Sharpton said.
