Florida GOP Chairman Ziegler involved in sexual assault investigation, lawyer confident in ‘exoneration’
SARASOTA, Fla. – The Sarasota Police Department confirmed there is an active investigation involving Republican Party of Florida Chairman Christian Ziegler.
The public information officer could not confirm Ziegler’s role in this case at the time of reporting.
According to a heavily redacted police report from Sarasota Police Department, the incident occurred on Oct 2. The report date is listed as Oct. 4 at 5:01 p.m.
Phrases that were not redacted include “raped,” “sexual assault complaint” and “sexual assault allegation”; however, no further details were included.
Due to Marsy’s Law, the victim’s name was redacted.
Derek Byrd, an attorney for Christian Ziegler, said in a statement that Ziegler has been “fully cooperative” with the Sarasota Police Department’s requests.
“We are confident that once the police investigation is concluded that no charges will be filed and Mr. Ziegler will be completely exonerated,” Byrd said.
“Unfortunately, public figures are often accused of acts that they did not commit whether it be for political purposes or financial gain. I would caution anyone to rush to judgment until the investigation is concluded,” the attorney continued.
“Out of respect for the investigation, this is all Mr. Ziegler or myself can say at this time,” he ended with.
The Republican Party of Sarasota County Chairman Jack Brill released a statement Thursday as Christian Ziegler serves as a Sarasota County State Committeeman and Bridget Ziegler serves on the local school board.
“We are shocked and disappointed to hear of the reports concerning Republican Party of Florida Chair and Sarasota County State Committeeman Christian Ziegler, and his wife, Sarasota County School Board Member Bridget Ziegler,” the statement said. “The Republican Party takes all such allegations of potential criminal conduct very seriously and will fully cooperate with investigators.”
The organization, Moms for Liberty, responded to the news in a now-deleted social media post on X, saying they “stand with” Bridget Ziegler, who is the wife of the chairman. Ziegler has worked closely with the organization and is a school board member for Sarasota County Schools.
“Yet another attempt today to ruin the reputation of a strong woman fighting for America,” the group said on X.
Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried released a statement after the news broke.
“Christian Ziegler can’t possibly continue to lead the Florida GOP under these conditions,” Fried said. “Given the severity of the criminal allegations, I’m calling for his immediate resignation.”
