Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis pulled out of as fundraiser for New York gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin so he could attend a memorial service for a member of his security detail, the New York Post reported.
DeSantis was scheduled to appear at a $25,000 gathering in Oyster Bay, New York, on Sunday but backed out, citing "an unforeseen tragedy."
The Post said Florida Department of Law Enforcement Special Agent Jose Perez was responding to a call in an unmarked car on Aug. 2 when he was struck by a vehicle driven by Javier Sandoval, 35, in Miami.
Perez was rushed to the hospital but died on Aug. 20. A memorial service was held Monday morning.
Sandoval was arrested on several charges, including DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide.
DeSantis' wife, Casey DeSantis, tweeted on Monday: "Today we mourn the tragic loss of FDLE Special Agent Jose Perez, who died in the line of duty. 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."
Jeffrey Rodack ✉
Jeffrey Rodack, who has nearly a half century in news as a senior editor and city editor for national and local publications, has covered politics for Newsmax for nearly seven years.
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