Florida leaders express sympathy to family of murdered off-duty FWC officer
Image via FWC Twitter.

104233607_3283009981721038_991768080336038742_n
Julian Keen was a six year veteran of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

State leaders offered their thoughts, prayers and condolences Monday to the family of a murdered Florida wildlife officer who was killed early Sunday.

Julian Keen, 30, was fatally shot when he tried to stop a hit-and-run driver while off-duty in the city of Labelle. Keen was a six year veteran of the force.

“Truly heartbreaking,” said Attorney General Ashley Moody. “Yesterday, FWC Officer Julian Keen was fatally shot in Hendry County. Justin and I are praying for his family and all of the law enforcement community in Florida.

Agricultural Commissioner Nikki Fried described the murder as a “senseless act of violence.”

My heart goes out his family and my thoughts are with FWC,” Fried said. “I hope justice is delivered swiftly in light of this tragedy.”

U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart of Miami Dade called for justice for Keen.

“Heartbroken to learn that FWC officer Julian Keen Jr. was shot and killed this morning in LaBelle, FL,” Diaz-Balart said. “My prayers and heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends. Those responsible must and will be brought to justice.”

Hendry County Sheriff Steven Whidden described Keen as family.

“We are deeply saddened by the death of FWC Officer Keen. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, members of FWC, friends and community”, Whidden said. “We will do everything we can to bring about justice to those guilty in his shooting death. We all knew Officer Keen, and he wasn’t only our brother in blue-but a role model for the community, he will be missed.”

The Florid Highway Patrol Command Officer Association asked for prayer for Keen’s family and “law enforcement everywhere.”

“He was a genuine officer who would literally give his shirt off his back to ANYONE who needed it,” the organization said, emphasis theirs. “Please pray for his family and law enforcement everywhere as we face these troubling times. John 15:13 – ‘There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.'”

As of Monday, three men are in custody in connection to Keen’s death.

Those with information are encouraged to contact the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office at (863) 674-0406.

Jason Delgado

Jason Delgado covers news out of the Florida State Capitol. After a go with the U.S. Army, the Orlando-native attended the University of Central Florida and earned a degree in American Policy and National Security. His past bylines include WMFE-NPR and POLITICO Florida. He'd love to hear from you. You can reach Jason by email ([email protected]) or on Twitter at @byJasonDelgado.



#FlaPol

Florida Politics is a statewide, new media platform covering campaigns, elections, government, policy, and lobbying in Florida. This platform and all of its content are owned by Extensive Enterprises Media.

Publisher: Peter Schorsch @PeterSchorschFL

Contributors & reporters: Phil Ammann, Drew Dixon, Roseanne Dunkelberger, A.G. Gancarski, Anne Geggis, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, Cole Pepper, Gray Rohrer, Jesse Scheckner, Christine Sexton, Drew Wilson, and Mike Wright.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @PeterSchorschFL
Phone: (727) 642-3162
Address: 204 37th Avenue North #182
St. Petersburg, Florida 33704




Sign up for Sunburn


Categories