Florida is killing someone every 16 days, the fastest pace in modern history. These executions serve no purpose other than to perpetuate violence in the name of justice. Florida plans to continue its unprecedented killing spree with the scheduled execution of Norman Mearle Grim on Tuesday, October 28 at 6 pm and Bryan Jennings on Thursday, November 13 at 6 pm.
Norman Grim was left without any state counsel for years as the state contemplated his execution. When his death warrant was signed, it took four full days for the state to even assign him an attorney. By then, the machinery of death was already in motion. His newly appointed lawyer had only days to review decades of records and prepare filings. Under those impossible conditions, and without any time to develop any kind of trust with his new lawyers, Norman waived his final appeals.
Once again, we will gather at Florida State Prison, online, and across the state for Norman, because we refuse to be silent witnesses to this injustice. Please join us.
Frighteningly similar to Norman Grim, the Governor’s next target was Bryan Jennings, a man who was also without state post-conviction counsel at the time his execution warrant was signed. Bryan’s lawyers were appointed AFTER his warrant was signed, and the State dumped over 75,000 pages of documents on them, expecting them to digest this information and somehow represent Bryan in what will likely be the last weeks of his life.
Bravely and righteously, his court-appointed counsel objected to the appointment, explaining it was “ridiculous to believe that counsel will be able to competently represent Mr. Jennings in accordance with Florida statutes and rules of ethics, and ensure his constitutional rights are not being trampled in the State’s race to the execution chamber.” Bryan’s hopes now rest with the Florida Supreme Court, and the United States Supreme Court. We must not stand idly by while the State of Florida effectively eliminates the right to counsel, especially when a human life is at stake.
The only alternative available in Florida other than the death penalty is life without the possibility of parole. This harsh sentence would ensure accountability, safety, and separation. But our Governor and our Attorney General are not seeking safety or justice. They are seeking only vengeance to curry political favor. And, they are seeking this vengeance on men who are not represented by state court counsel.
We will never let this state forget what has happened. We will never let people forget what our Governor and Attorney General have done in our names. The history of this administration will be measured by the lives they chose to take — and by the people who refused to look away.
Together, we remain energized, focused, and ready to do more. Because you know, as we do, that history is being written right now in blood and silence. And we will not let Florida forget.
Onward,
The FADP Team
P.S. Your support fuels everything we do to stop executions, lift up the truth, and demand accountability. No amount is too small. Every single dollar helps us fight for life, justice, and change. Please consider a contribution today.