Ryan Nicol
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson is calling for a federal investigation into last week’s shooting death of Markeis McGlockton outside a Clearwater convenience store.
McGlockton was shot dead following a dispute with 47-year-old Michael Drejka over a handicapped parking space. The issue has earned attention because of the state’s “Stand Your Ground” law possibly shielding Drejka from prosecution.
The short letter from Nelson and four other lawmakers is addressed to Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Assistant Attorney General John M. Gore. It calls on the Department of Justice to look into whether federal law was violated in the shooting.
“We are writing to request that the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Criminal Section open an investigation into the death of Markeis McGlockton at the hands of Michael Drejka in Clearwater, Florida, on July 19, 2018. Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.”
The letter was also signed by U.S. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris of California, and U.S. Reps. Charlie Crist and Alcee Hastings of Florida. All are Democrats.
Drejka has not yet been arrested, as Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri argues the “Stand Your Ground” law prevents arrest absent a determination by the state attorney that the defense does not apply.
The appeal by Nelson comes after a pair of state lawmakers urged State Attorney Bernie McCabe to pursue charges against Drejka.
