Sarasota Police Department Investigating Florida Republican Party Chair Christian Ziegler
Christian Ziegler, chair of the Florida Republican Party, is currently under investigation by the Sarasota Police Department. Derek Byrd, Ziegler’s attorney, confirmed the ongoing investigation. Although Byrd did not disclose the nature of the allegations, the Sarasota Police Department responded to a CBS News request by releasing a heavily redacted police report that alludes to an accusation of rape and sexual battery that reportedly occurred on October 2 in Sarasota.
A nonprofit organization called the Florida Trident, which is dedicated to government accountability, reported that a woman told the Sarasota Police about her three-year engagement in a sexual relationship with Christian and Bridget Ziegler. They also pointed out that the alleged events under investigation took place while Christian Ziegler was alone with her at her residence.
The investigation also involves Bridget Ziegler, co-founder of Moms for Liberty, a far-right group that advocates for parental rights and supports right-wing candidates running for school boards. The Florida Democratic Party has issued a statement requesting Christian Ziegler to resign as state GOP party chair due to the severity of the allegations.
Christian Ziegler’s attorney assured that he is cooperating fully with the investigation and is confident that he will be exonerated from any charges. The accusation and the ongoing investigation are also getting the attention of figures such as Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody and Florida Democratic Party chair Nikki Fried.
These allegations have been widely covered in local and national media outlets. Christian Ziegler’s political career may be adversely affected unless he is fully cleared of any wrongdoing.
