In less than one week, on Thursday, August 29th, the State of Florida is set to conduct its 106th state-sanctioned murder and execute Loran Cole, a survivor of the notorious Dozier School for Boys. As we count down to the scheduled execution day, we and our collaborators from across the world are planning several opportunities for you to advocate on behalf of sparing Mr. Cole’s life and against the barbaric practice of execution. You may see emails from FADP more regularly while we advocate on behalf of Mr. Cole in this week of action.
FLORIDA SUPREME COURT DENIES STAY OF EXECUTION
The Florida Supreme Court issued an opinion denying Cole’s request for a stay of execution, and now the United States Supreme Court is the last chance to stop this execution — other than Governor DeSantis exercising his power to do so. Here’s a link to the SCOTUS filings.
LET THE GOVERNOR KNOW WHAT YOU THINK
On Monday, August 26, FADP went to the Florida Capitol to deliver the signatures of thousands of people from across Florida (and beyond) to Governor DeSantis and the Florida Board of Executive Clemency. While we anticipated that the governor may not be available, we did not expect for the entire office to be closed to the public. However, we were able to meet with an executive clemency board official and shared over 7,000 petitions, comments, as well as a letter signed by nearly 100 faith leaders. Send a message to Governor DeSantis urging him to stop Loran Cole’s execution.
FAITH LEADERS: USE YOUR VOICES
If you are a faith leader in Florida, you have a line to the governor’s office through his Faith and Community Initiative. You can voice your opposition to the upcoming execution of Loran Cole by calling the program office at 850-717-9494. Don’t forget to sign our letter, already signed by dozens of faith leaders from across the state.
ATTEND A PLANNED VIGIL FOR MR. COLE
While we work towards a stay of execution, our communities are also preparing to hold vigils across the state for Mr. Cole. Join them in person or virtually to recognizing Mr. Cole’s humanity. Find information on our website.
LISTEN TO MARIA SPEAK WITH DARA KAM
Our Executive Director, Maria DeLiberato, was a guest on The Deeper Dive with Dara Kam! Listen to Dara Kam’s new episode featuring a dive into the death penalty with Maria.
FADP AT LIFE OVER DEATH
Maria and our Board Chair Herman Lindsey, along with Florida death row exoneree Seth Penalver, have spent the last two days at Life Over Death, the annual conference hosted by the Florida Public Defender’s Association to train and support capital defense lawyers all across the state doing this difficult work.
Herman Lindsey and Seth Penalver sitting at FADP’s table during the Life Over Death Conference.
THANK YOU FOR TAKING ACTION
Finally, we would like to thank leading organizations and communities, including Catholic Mobilizing Network, Death Penalty Focus, Death Penalty Action, members of Allendale United Methodist Church, Mission Talk, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, and many others that have been relentless in their advocacy for life and against dehumanization—and we would like to thank many of you for taking action with us!