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FLORIDA - As Florida prepares to execute its fourth U.S. veteran this year, over 130 veterans from multiple military branches have requested that Governor Ron DeSantis stop executing military service members.
A group of veterans will gather in Tallahassee on Wednesday to present a signed letter urging DeSantis to end the state's executions of convicted veterans.
The letter argues that executing a veteran who has suffered from the effects of war without adequate care is unjust and a failure of duty.
Among the attendees is Tom Dunn, a retired U.S. Army officer and attorney for death row inmate Kyle Bates, who is scheduled for execution on August 19th.
Bates' execution would mark the fourth veteran to be executed in Florida in 2025.
The Center for Veteran Criminal Advocacy, which organized the event, claims that about 30 veterans are still on death row in Florida, with many others facing death penalty trials.
The letter to DeSantis highlights the psychological toll of war on veterans, noting that military service exposes them to violence and trauma that can affect their mental health.
Veterans make up 5% of the U.S. population, but they account for about 10% of those on death row.
Since DeSantis took office in 2019, five veterans have been executed in Florida, with more facing similar fates.
Wednesday’s event aims to draw attention to the issue, urging DeSantis to stop signing death warrants for veterans.