Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said that he supports the death penalty in his state for people who rape children.

The governor made the remarks on Thursday during a discussion on the death penalty in Florida.

Florida Gov. DeSantis Backs Death Penalty For Child Rapists#florida #desantis #news #death #penaltyhttps://t.co/4hRgkIy2Zh

— The Free Press (@tampafreepress) January 27, 2023

The remarks

“They (sexual predators) will do whatever they can to satiate themselves at the expense of very, very vulnerable people,” DeSantis said Thursday during an appearance at the Miami Police Benevolent Association.

“I believe the only appropriate punishment that would be commensurate to that would be capital," he added.

DeSantis also noted that the Supreme Court's decision on the issue would unlikely back his view, but was worth being challenged.

“We understand that it will be challenged, but I think it’s right for us to challenge … a decision that wasn’t well thought out, was very narrowly decided,” DeSantis said.

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT: DeSantis proposes making child rapists eligible for death penalty by forgoing unanimous jury verdict. https://t.co/FQmsBYQbh8 pic.twitter.com/Sr5D78Pvk0

— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 27, 2023

The background

"There are currently 301 prisoners on death row in Florida, which has executed 99 inmates since 1976, according to the state's Department of Corrections," Fox News reported.

"DeSantis also proposed harsher punishments for fentanyl trafficking when the drug resembles a piece of candy; strengthening bail laws by limiting who is eligible for release before their first appearance; and requiring police to alert the National Missing and Unidentified Person’s System about all missing persons," it added.

Governor Ron DeSantis suggested allowing the death penalty in the state of Florida without a unanimous jury. If this were to happen, Florida would be one of the only states in the nation to do so. Alabama is the only state that allows this so far. pic.twitter.com/xC3KArUYQL

— Emma Heaton (@EmmaHeatonWINK) January 25, 2023

The calls for criminal reform about the death penalty in Florida also follow the case of Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz. He avoided the death penalty after the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict on the punishment.

Harsh criticism

The decision led to harsh criticism from many of the family members of the victims killed by Cruz who called for new actions following the case.

DeSantis joins a growing number of conservative leaders calling for tougher sentences on crime and who have spoken out against the left's soft-on-crime attitude.

The governor's proposal may not become a reality, but the perspective is shared by many Americans who would like to see harsher sentences for those accused of the nation's worst crimes.