MIAMI, Florida — Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Tuesday that he will ask the state Supreme Court to convene a special jury to investigate any “illegality” in the application of COVID-19 vaccines.
The governor, often cited as a possible presidential candidate for 2024, did not specify what the illegalities would be, but suggested that the measure will provide information on vaccines and their possible side effects.
He made the announcement during a meeting with state public health director Joseph Ladapo and a group of scientists and doctors who cited allegations that drug companies would not provide their vaccine data to independent researchers.
Doña Herminia died last week, alongside her daughter Reina, who spent most of her time taking care of her.
“We’re going to get that data whether we want to or not,” DeSantis said. “In Florida, it’s illegal to misrepresent or mislead, especially when it comes to the effectiveness of a drug.”
Special juries in Florida, usually composed of 18 people, can investigate criminal activity and press charges, but they can also look at systemic problems in the state and make recommendations. In recent times, such immigration and school safety committees have been formed.
DeSantis noted that Florida recently obtained “$3.2 billion through the courts in compensation for the opioid crisis. So it’s not something unprecedented.” That money has come largely through lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies, retailers and distributors.
He said he hopes the Supreme Court will approve the jury, likely in the Tampa Bay area.
“This will be done through legal processes that will be able to gain more information and hold those who have committed wrongdoing accountable,” DeSantis said.
The governor also announced the creation of a “Public Health Integrity Committee,” made up of many of the scientists and physicians who participated in Tuesday’s panel.
