Florida, Georgia politicians react to U.S., Israel launching major attack on Iran

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a major attack on Iran launched by Israel and the United States, President Donald Trump said, calling it the “single greatest chance” for the Iranian people to “take back” their country.

The death occurred after a joint U.S. and Israeli aerial bombardment that targeted Iranian military and governmental sites. Trump said the “heavy and pinpoint bombing” was to continue through the week or longer. There was no immediate comment from Iran on Khamenei’s status.

Locally, leaders such as Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, Florida Senator Rick Scott, Congressman John Rutherford, and Georgia Representative Buddy Carter released statements on the situation.

“Praying for our service members who are in harm’s way in Iran, their loved ones here at home, and our neighbors who have family in the region,” Deegan said.

Congressman Rutherford said, in part, “The Iranian regime has set the table for Operation Epic Furry through their forty-seven years of state sponsored terrorism and murder of American citizens...Tens of thousands of Iranian people have been violently murdered by the Iranian regime for seeking freedom and basic human rights. It’s clear: this evil regime seeks to kill and must be obliterated.”

Florida Congressman Randy Fine said, “We are with you, Mr. President. We will cut off the head of the snake of Muslim terror, bring lasting peace to the Middle East, and save the Iranian People. Bombs away.”

Rep. Carter said, “President Trump acted squarely within his constitutional authority to strike Iran, the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, responsible for the oppression and murder of thousands of its own people...Any country that chants ‘death to America’ will never obtain nuclear weapons, certainly not on President Trump’s watch.”

“America is the greatest nation in the world. Our president is doing all he can to keep Americans safe, and every U.S. defense contractor needs to ensure they are ready to respond to any and all requests by our @DeptofWar. Thank you @POTUS for always putting America First,” Sen. Scott said.

He also posted a video on Facebook addressing the situation.

Florida Representative Aaron Bean shared Sen. Scott’s sentiment.

“Operation Epic Fury is peace through strength in action, and sends an unmistakable message: AMERICA FIRST, always. The United States stands with our ally Israel, and we will not allow Iran’s hostile regime to gain nuclear power.”

Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock also released a statement, saying President Trump has “taken America to war for regime change in Iran.”

“Trump has launched this regime change war and put American forces at risk without presenting evidence of an imminent threat, without clear objectives, without having exhausted diplomacy, without a plan for the aftermath, and without the consent of Congress...I pray for the safety of U.S. forces who have been ordered into battle and commend their extraordinary professionalism,” Ossoff said.

Sen. Warnock said, in part, “The Trump administration’s dramatic and deadly escalation in Iran risks yet another sad chapter of decades-long entanglements. Given the lack of a clear plan, it risks increased instability in the region while endangering American troops and harming America’s national security.”

The Florida Democratic Party also condemned Trump’s decision to act without receiving congressional approval.

“Without any Congressional oversight or approval, Trump’s reckless actions have directly violated our Constitution and will lead to the deaths of U.S. soldiers and civilians abroad...The Ayatollah has led an evil regime that has crushed the human rights of Iranians, escalated tensions in the area for decades, and sponsored terrorism around the globe. American troops, however, deserve better than a commander in chief that believes he is above accountability and the rule of law.”