A prominent House Democrat is pouncing on House Speaker Richard Corcoran for alleging there is a “tremendous potential likelihood” of ISIS terrorists living in Florida and the Dems are demanding Corcoran put his money where his mouth is and prove the claim is true.
House Democratic Leader Pro Tempore Bobby DuBose, D-Fort Lauderdale, sent the House Speaker a letter Tuesday demanding Corcoran release information proving the people of Florida were at risk.
DuBose also had concerns over the comments since state lawmakers are scheduled to hear a bill withdrawing Florida from the refugee program this week.
“The timely release of this information is vitally important as it could influence how members vote on HB 427,” DuBose wrote.
Corcoran’s comments came during a weekend interview with CBS4’s Jim DeFede, who asked Corcoran if he believed some of the 1,200 Syrian refugees escaping to Florida last year were “harboring terrorist views.”
“Yeah, absolutely,” Corcoran responded. “I believe that there is a tremendous potential likelihood there and it’s based on facts...they can’t properly vet these people.”
Corcoran’s concerns aren’t new. Just last month, he penned a letter to President Donald Trump in support of his executive order banning travelers from seven Muslim countries from coming into the U.S.
The Land O’Lakes Republican also raised concerns over the resettlement program, saying the Middle Eastern refugees posed a “legitimate” risk to Florida.
DuBose said it was imperative Corcoran shared any information he had received from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and other agencies about the claims since it could have an impact on how members cast their votes.
“It is my responsibility to ensure that our members on this committee and the subcommittee are fully informed on the matter,” DuBose wrote.
Sunshine State News contacted Speaker Corcoran’s office, but had not received a response at the time of this article’s release.
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
