FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — A judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Florida sheriff who Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended and accused of failing to prevent the Parkland school shooting.

A Broward County circuit judge dismissed the suit Thursday, ruling DeSantis' executive order removing Scott Israel from his position as Broward County sheriff was consistent with the Florida Constitution.

DeSantis suspended Israel in January, saying it was for neglect of duty and incompetence.

Israel says DeSantis is overstepping his constitutional authority and interfering with the public's right to determine their elected official. His attorney says they're appealing Thursday's decision.

Before the shooting, Israel had changed his department's policy to say deputies "may" confront shooters, instead of "shall." Critics say that gave deputies an excuse for not confronting the gunman during the February 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

DeSantis thanked the judge for the favorable decision in a series of tweets Thursday: 

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