Florida’s Justice System Sparks Outrage from the Left

Justice is finally having its day in Florida, and the Left can’t stand it. On Thursday, the state is set to execute Edward Zakrzewski—the ninth execution this year—making 2025 the deadliest year for death row inmates in Florida since capital punishment was reinstated in 1976. And quite frankly, it’s about time we saw some resolve in punishing the worst of the worst.

Let’s be clear about who Edward Zakrzewski is. This isn’t some borderline case or a man railroaded by the system. In 1994, he brutally murdered his own family—his wife, his 7-year-old son, and his 5-year-old daughter. He used a crowbar, a machete, and his bare hands. He pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree murder. According to court documents, he told others he’d rather kill his family than let his wife divorce him. This was not a crime of passion. It was a cold, barbaric act of control and rage. And now, justice is catching up with him—30 years later.

But predictably, the bleeding hearts are out in force. More than 100 so-called “faith leaders” sent a letter to Governor Ron DeSantis urging a halt to executions, citing everything from racial disparities to the emotional toll on correctional staff. That’s right—the people more worried about the feelings of prison guards than the lives of murdered children.

Let’s talk facts. Florida is leading the nation in executions this year, outpacing even Texas for the first time since 1984. Under Governor DeSantis, the Sunshine State is not just talking tough on crime—it’s backing it up with action. And that’s exactly what voters demanded when they elected a governor with the spine to enforce the law.

DeSantis has been unapologetic, and rightly so. In May, he stated: “I support capital punishment because I think there are some crimes that are just so horrific, the only appropriate punishment is the death penalty.” He’s absolutely right. There is no moral equivalence between executing a convicted child murderer and letting evil go unanswered. The Left wants to pretend these executions are acts of state violence. What they ignore is that the state is acting as the final protector of justice, not the aggressor.

Opponents love to point out that Zakrzewski’s jury recommended the death penalty by a narrow 7-5 margin—something that wouldn’t meet the threshold under modern statutes. But here’s the reality: the law at the time allowed it, and the trial judge sentenced him accordingly. Retrospective hand-wringing doesn’t change the fact that this man’s guilt is not in question. He admitted to the crime. He’s exhausted every appeal. The clock has run out.

And let’s not forget the broader picture: Florida also leads the country in death row exonerations. That’s often used as a reason to halt executions, but it should be seen as proof the system works. When new evidence emerges or a trial is shown to be flawed, the courts act. That’s how a just system should function. But when someone confesses to slaughtering his family, there’s no moral high ground in keeping him alive for the sake of optics.

The Left’s argument boils down to emotion over justice. They want to shut down the death penalty because it makes them uncomfortable. But being uncomfortable isn’t a reason to abandon accountability. In fact, the death penalty is one of the last remaining lines between civilization and chaos. It sends a message: if you commit acts so heinous that they tear at the fabric of society, the state will ensure you never do it again.

This isn’t about vengeance. It’s about order, deterrence, and ultimately, justice. We can debate the merits of the death penalty in abstract terms, but when you put a name and face to the crime—when you look at what Zakrzewski did—it becomes crystal clear: some people forfeit their right to live among us.

Governor DeSantis is doing what so many leaders are too cowardly to do—following through on the rule of law. And for that, Florida should be applauded, not condemned. The only tragedy here is that it took three decades to carry out a sentence that should’ve been fulfilled years ago. But late justice is better than none at all.