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Florida Governor Responds to Tate Brothers’ Return
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has stated that Andrew and Tristan Tate are not welcome in the state, following their arrival in Fort Lauderdale after leaving Romania. Their return comes after authorities in Romania lifted a travel ban that had previously restricted their movements.
The Tate brothers, who are currently facing serious allegations including human trafficking and sex with a minor in Romania, boarded a private jet in Bucharest early Thursday morning to fly to the U.S. They hold dual citizenship in the United States and the United Kingdom.
An official from Romania’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, speaking anonymously due to a lack of authorization to comment publicly, indicated that the decision to allow the Tates to return to the U.S. was ultimately made by prosecutors. The Tates continue to be under investigation for various charges, including money laundering, and Andrew Tate is additionally facing a rape charge. Both brothers have firmly denied any illegal activity.
During a press conference, Governor DeSantis emphasized that his administration played no role in the Tates’ travel arrangements, expressing surprise at their return, which he learned about through media reports. He noted that jurisdiction over their entry into the United States falls under federal authority and expressed confidence that state and federal officials, such as Florida’s Attorney General James Uthmeier, would assess the situation.
“Florida does not welcome individuals involved in such conduct,” DeSantis commented, reiterating his administration’s stance on the seriousness of the allegations against the Tates. He added that any actions or jurisdictional concerns regarding the Tates would be thoroughly examined by state officials.
Uthmeier, in a separate statement, mentioned that he has instructed his office to collaborate with state law enforcement to initiate a preliminary inquiry into the Tate brothers. “Florida has zero tolerance for human trafficking and violence against women,” he stated, affirming that if applicable laws are triggered, accountability will follow.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
On Thursday, Romania’s Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) announced a modification in the obligations restricting the Tate brothers from leaving Romania, allowing them to travel but maintaining judicial oversight. The defendants must still respond to summons from judicial authorities, and any breach of these conditions could result in stricter consequences.
Earlier this month, reports surfaced that the Trump administration had shown interest in the Tates’ legal situation during discussions at the Munich Security Conference. When asked about the Tates’ travel, President Trump stated that he was unaware of any details and promised to look into the matter further.
Upon their arrival in Florida, Andrew Tate spoke briefly with reporters, asserting their innocence and emphasizing that they had never been convicted of a crime. “We live in a democratic society where it’s innocent until proven guilty,” he stated, defending themselves against public criticism and misperceptions.
Joseph McBride, the attorney representing the Tate brothers, reacted to Governor DeSantis’ statements by highlighting that the Tates are American citizens and engaging in a defamation lawsuit in Palm Beach Court. He criticized the governor for his remarks and asserted that the brothers plan to return to Romania for legal proceedings before coming back to the United States.
The Tate brothers were arrested in late 2022, along with two Romanian women, with prosecutors formally indicting all parties involved last year. While the Bucharest Tribunal has allowed the trial to proceed, no date for the court hearing has yet been established. As of now, the brothers are set to return to Romania for their next court appearance on March 24.
Source
globalnews.ca