Last week, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said he plans to petition the state’s Supreme Court to convene a grand jury to investigate “any and all wrongdoing” related to the COVID vaccines.
While Governor DeSantis didn’t provide specifics as to what the wrongdoing might be, he suggested it would involve jogging loose further information from pharmaceutical companies on the potential side effects of the vaccines.
DeSantis announced the statewide grand jury request following a roundtable discussion with Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Lapado and a panel of physicians and scientists, including prominent opponents of lockdowns, federal vaccine mandates, and vaccinations for children.
He said with a grand jury investigation, the state will be able to get data from the pharmaceutical companies “whether they want to give it or not.” DeSantis pointed out that it is illegal in Florida to “mislead or misrepresent, especially when you are talking about the efficacy of a drug.”
The governor’s grand jury request, released last Tuesday, argues that pharmaceutical companies had a financial interest in maintaining the narrative that receiving the vaccine would ensure people couldn’t spread the virus.
The request asks that a grand jury investigate if any deceitful information was disseminated that the vaccines prevent “infection, symptoms, and transmission.” DeSantis argued that such an investigation is not without precedent in Florida, pointing out that the state received $3.2 billion “through legal action against those responsible for the opioid crisis.” Statewide grand juries are typically comprised of 18 people.
They can investigate criminal activity and issue indictments, but they also examine system problems in Florida and make recommendations. The governor said he expects the Florida Supreme Court to approve his request for the statewide grand jury.
Governor DeSantis also announced the creation of the “Public Health Integrity Committee,” which will include many of the doctors and scientists who participated in last week’s roundtable.
