Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis asks grand jury to investigate COVID-19 vaccine

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Tuesday he plans to petition the state Supreme Court to call a grand jury to investigate “any and all wrongdoing” related to the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Republican governor, often cited as a possible 2024 presidential candidate, did not specify what wrongdoing the panel would investigate but said it was partly aimed at moderating more information about vaccines and potentially harmful side effects.

He made the announcement following a roundtable with Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo and a group of scientists and doctors, some of which focused on the fact that drug companies have not yet provided independent researchers with information about COVID-19. 19 Vaccine data this fact.

“Whether they want to or not, we get the data,” DeSantis said. “In Florida, it’s illegal to misrepresent and misrepresent facts, especially when you’re talking about the efficacy of a drug.”

A statewide grand jury, usually composed of 18 people, investigates criminal activity and prosecutes, as well as examines and makes recommendations on systemic problems in Florida. Recent such panels have discussed immigration and school safety.

DeSantis noted that Florida recently “got $3.2 billion in legal action against those responsible for the opioid crisis. So, it’s not unprecedented.” Litigation and settlement of resellers and distributors.

DeSantis said he wants to get Supreme Court approval to choose a grand jury statewide, likely in the Tampa Bay area.

“This will be accompanied by legal processes that will enable access to additional information and hold those who committed wrongdoing accountable,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis also announced that he is creating an entity called the “Committee on Public Health Integrity,” which will include many of the doctors and scientists who participated in Tuesday’s roundtable.

During the pandemic, some people have lost faith in public health agencies, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, he said. The governor has frequently opposed CDC directives, including masks and vaccines, and has filed lawsuits to prevent many from taking effect in Florida.