Next Thursday, March 20, the State of Florida is set to conduct its 108th state-sanctioned murder and execute Eddie James. Late yesterday, Governor DeSantis signed yet another death warrant – this time for Michael Tanzi, who is scheduled to be executed on April 8 at 6 pm. We will be sharing more details about Michael soon.
We will continue fighting to stop Eddie’s death, and we and our collaborators are planning several opportunities for you to get informed and speak out about Florida’s death penalty. See updates and opportunities below.
LET THE GOVERNOR KNOW WHAT YOU THINK
Governor DeSantis is the single executive official who can stop this execution. That’s why we need you to send him a message today and urge him to grant a stay. You can also call at (850) 488-7146.
ATTEND A PLANNED VIGIL FOR EDDIE JAMES
This evening, Tampa’s abolitionist community will gather to protest the upcoming execution of Eddie James. If his execution proceeds next Thursday, advocates across the state are preparing to hold vigils and protests. Join them in person or virtually to recognize Eddie’s humanity. Find more information on our website.
SIGN AND SHARE OUR PETITION
On Thursday, we will send your signatures to Governor DeSantis, the Florida Board of Executive Clemency, and other administrative officials. Please continue to sign and share our petition. Help us reach 4,000 signatures. Every signature, every voice, will be seen and heard, reinforcing our collective call for justice.
EVENT AT BARRY UNIVERSITY
Barry University will be hosting a mini-symposium titled Voices from the Death Penalty Abolition Movement. It is free and open to anyone interested. We have a great lineup of speakers, including:
- Maria DeLiberato, Executive Director of FADP
- Herman Lindsey, Florida death row exoneree, Executive Director of Witness to Innocence, and FADP Board Member
- SueZann Bosler, speaker and activist with Journey of Hope
- Armando Garcia, Director of Organizing for FADP
- Emmjolee Mendoza Waters, Director of the Death Penalty Abolition Program with Catholic Mobilizing Network
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
While the state presses on with executions, some legislators are also trying to make it easier for people to end up on death row by expanding the number of situations in which a death penalty can be applied. We are tracking HB693/SB776, HB1283/SB1804, and SB984/HB653. We can only defeat these erosions of our freedom if we stand together. Please continue to watch for opportunities to help us fight, and click here if you are interested in helping us organize.