Florida politicians react to death of two FBI agents in Sunrise shooting

Image via AP.

The Governor, a congresswoman and multiple Cabinet members are reacting after two FBI agents lost their lives while executing a search warrant in Broward County.

Special Agent Dan Alfin and Special Agent Laura Schwartzenberger died during the Tuesday shootout at a home in Sunrise. Three other FBI agents were wounded. The warrant was related to crimes against children as FBI agents hoped to seize devices belonging to a suspect, who had barricaded himself inside. The suspect also died during the gunfight.

Florida officials are now reacting to the tragedy.

“I just want to express our condolences,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said Tuesday before a press conference introducing new legislation meant to battle “big tech.”

“We’re getting more information on what happened. We’ll have more to say at a later date,” the Governor added.

Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried also gave brief remarks ahead of a Tuesday news conference, saying it appeared the agents died “doing their job serving our country.” She then asked for a moment of silence.

Fried later released a fuller statement, saying, “My heart goes out to the families of these slain and injured FBI agents. Gun violence is a tragedy when it too often occurs across our state and nation.”

Added U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, “Our prayers are with their families and the three agents who were injured in the cowardly attack. It serves as yet another reminder that the courageous members of our law enforcement community put their lives on the line every day to make our communities safer from the type of sick, depraved people who would exploit and prey on our children.”

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz issued remarks noting that her office was “closely monitoring the tragic situation in Sunrise” after the shooting.

“We are in contact with the FBI and working to get more details on the events leading up to this horrific shooting,” she added.

Attorney General Ashley Moody, whose husband is a federal agent, ripped into the shooter. “Infuriated by the cowardly killing of federal agents shot while serving a warrant on a suspect accused of crimes against children,” Moody said.

“Instead of answering for his despicable crimes, this pathetic, evil man opened fire on officers.” Moody added that she and her husband would be praying for the law enforcement officers involved and their families.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis released a lengthy statement via Twitter, offering his “thoughts and prayers” and noting that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is on hand to assist where needed.

“This tragedy is a reminder that we’ve got men and women throughout the nation who put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. The truth is there are no routine law enforcement operations – especially when serving warrants,” Patronis added.

“When one law enforcement agent is hurt or killed in the line-of-duty, it affects all of us – and we need every man and woman with a badge to know that Florida supports, loves and appreciates their service to our country. God bless you all.”

House Speaker Chris Sprowls also added a statement Tuesday. “Deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of 2 FBI agents in Sunrise, Fla., today,” Sprowls said. “A dark reminder of the sacrifices our law enforcement make to protect our children from predators and criminals. My prayers are with these families and those of the other 3 agents wounded.”

State Sen. Lauren Book issued remarks Tuesday afternoon heralding the two slain FBI agents.

“Special Agent Dan Alfin and Special Agent Laura Schwartzenberger were heroes among us, making the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty while working to keep children safe from sexual abuse and online exploitation — scourges amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Book said.

“Our community will never forget these agents’ bravery. We are safer because of their service.”

Alfin was an alumnus of Florida State University. FSU President John Thrasher commented on the connection Wednesday morning.

“Daniel was an outstanding student who graduated in 2007 with a degree in information technology and was dedicated to serving and protecting our most vulnerable citizens,” Thrasher said.

“On behalf of everyone at FSU, we extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Special Agents Alfin and Schwartzenberger. We will never forget their bravery and ultimate sacrifice.”