ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — State Attorney Monique Worrell took her oath of office on the steps of the Orange County Courthouse on Tuesday morning.
Worrell was first elected in 2020 to serve in the 9th Judicial Circuit, serving Orange and Osceola counties. However, she received criticism from DeSantis for not being harsh enough on violent criminals and protecting the public.
Her suspension followed an August 2023 shooting in downtown Orlando that involved 28-year-old suspect Daton Viel, who officials say shot and injured two police officers.
It was later reported that Viel had a lengthy criminal past and several outstanding warrants at the time of the shooting.
Worrell filed a motion to regain her title. However, a judge upheld the suspension. DeSantis appointed Judge Andrew Bain to fill her position as state attorney.
Worrell was re-elected as state attorney in the November 2024 election, with nearly 60% of the votes.
While she has described the past 18 months as very difficult, she said she is looking forward to getting back to work.
When asked about what she’d say to those who don’t believe she’s hard enough on crime, here’s what she had to say about what factors apply.
“There is no end. There is a lot of in-between. It’s not black, and it’s not white. The criminal justice system is gray,” Worrell said. “We have to work collectively and collaboratively so that we can do what’s best for our communities.”
Worrell said her main priority is to carefully assess, listen and understand the current state of the state attorney’s office.
She said she’ll keep what’s working, from the time Bain was in charge, and improve what isn’t working, as well as bring back some initiatives that she said made a difference in the community.
“I am honored to return to the seat of the People’s State Attorney,” Worrell said.
After being removed by DeSantis in 2023, Worrell won her re-election campaign in 2024, and is now back in office.
“And I think that massive support that we saw in the recent election was a sign that the people of this community will not cede their power that way,” Florida A&M Law Professor Mark Dorosin said.
Worrell says she doesn’t plan to tear down what was done during the time she was not in office, but to build on the foundation that was created.
“Today is about more than reclaiming a position. It is about reclaiming our democracy. It’s about honoring the will of the people and restoring faith in the systems meant to serve us all,” she said.
Worrell said as prosecutors, it is important to consider alternatives to prosecution when appropriate.
Leaders need both accountability and opportunity to build a safer community, she said.
“This moment represents more than a return. It represents a renewal, a renewal of trust, of commitment, and the promise that justice is not simply about punishment, but about prevention, rehabilitation and creating opportunities in,” she said.
Former State Attorney Aramis Ayala shared her thoughts on the transition process, and some of the obstacles that come into play.
“Just the regular transition can be challenging. It makes it even more difficult when there is a less-than-friendly or less-than-peaceful transition,” Ayala said.
She said the process should not be political.
“See, the practice of law is not intended to be political. The position of state attorney is the responsibility of pursuing justice and following the law,” she said.
Ayala also said Worrell’s re-election victory following her prior removal highlights the importance of democracy.
“When it comes to unlawful removals, when it comes to witch hunts, when it comes to, you know, political adversaries taking over concepts of justice, you have to ensure that our democracy is protected. And we saw that restored today,” she said Tuesday.
Worrell mentioned her team will review the current diversion programs to ensure they align with the law, their mission and evidence-based practices.
And said she is committed to hearing from the people in the community.