Rumors are swirling.
The chief of Ron DeSantis’ elections fraud unit, Peter Antonacci, passed away in the Florida governor’s office last year, as revealed by a recent report. According to records obtained by Florida Bulldog, security cameras captured Antonacci’s presence in the governor’s office within the Florida State Capitol Building for approximately 24 minutes before staff noticed.
Antonacci, who suffered a fatal heart attack in September 2022, was appointed by DeSantis as the head of the Office of Election Crimes and Security three months prior. Before this role, he served as the chief judge of the state Division of Administrative Hearings under DeSantis and held positions such as elections supervisor and state attorney during former governor Rick Scott’s tenure.
Following Antonacci’s death, DeSantis, a candidate in the Republican primaries, issued a statement expressing sorrow and highlighting Antonacci’s dedication to public service and commitment to upholding the law. Additional details surrounding his demise were disclosed in a report by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
The report outlined that Antonacci fell ill and left a meeting at around 1:46 p.m. It described the events leading up to his collapse, stating that he appeared to strike his head after steadying himself against a wall. The report clarified that there was no indication of foul play in the room or hallway.
FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass noticed Antonacci down the hallway at approximately 2:10:05 p.m. Glass and General Counsel Ryan Newman rushed to the scene, identified Antonacci, and attempted to revive him using chest compressions and a defibrillator. Emergency services were called, and Antonacci was transported to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 2:34 p.m.
The report mentioned Antonacci’s extensive history of heart disease and cardiac issues, which had led to multiple surgeries. The medical staff initially attributed his death to a pre-existing medical condition. The details of the incident were conveyed through 911 audio and the report, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding Peter Antonacci’s untimely passing.