Florida lawmakers respond to US airstrikes in Syria

(WFLA) – The response from Florida lawmakers was mixed Thursday night after President Donald Trump carried out an deadly attack against a military base in a deeply divided Syria.

President Donald Trump ordered the airstrikes against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in retaliation to this week’s chemical weapons attack that killed at least 72 civilians, including 20 children.

Florida Governor Rick Scott said, “President Trump took the right action and acted decisively. The Assad regime is responsible for the horrendous killings of innocent men, women and children. These chemical attacks against innocent Syrian people are sickening and it’s about time someone stood up for them. I appreciate our brave military heroes who conducted this mission.”

“I think this is an important decisive step that was taken. It is not a message. It is a degrading of the capability of the Syrian regime to carry out further chemical attacks against innocent civilians,” Florida Sen. Marco Rubio said.

Rep. Kathy Castor released the following statement about last night’s U.S. strike against Syria:

“The Tomahawk missile strike on the Syrian air base was an important and targeted response to Bashar Assad’s use of chemical weapons. Russia and Iran should be held accountable as well for their support of Assad and his war on the Syrian people.”

In another statement, Democratic Florida Sen. Bill Nelson said, “I support the administration’s strike on the air base that launched the chemical attack. I hope this teaches President Assad not to use chemical weapons again.”

Rep. Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) also weighed in with the following statement:

“The continued atrocities committed by Bashar al-Assad against innocent men, women, and most horrifyingly, children and infants, are an assault on humanity and must be stopped. Last night’s targeted airstrikes were a proportional and appropriate response, making clear that these war crimes will not go unanswered.”

“This week’s events also speak to the urgent need to help refugees fleeing violence and persecution. Assad’s sarin gas attacks on his own people are a disturbing reminder why Syrians have been fleeing the country. The international community, including the United States, cannot turn our backs to their suffering and need.”

He also thanked the brave men and women, including those directing strikes from Tampa’s own MacDill Air Force Base.

Rep. Val Demings tweeted, “While I condemn the cruel and evil actions of Assad on innocent women and children, President Trump should have obtained Congressional approval before using military force.”

Demings went on to say, “If the president wants to be proactive and not reactive, the United States should open its doors to the women, children, and men who are being slaughtered by his regime.”