Hacker Group Anonymous Targets Governor Rick Scott
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The Hacktivist group We Are Anonymous has set its sights on Florida Gov. Rick Scott and has released a video calling for his impeachment and resignation.
The Anonymous group posted a video message on Facebook blaming Gov. Scott for not doing more to prevent billions of gallons of polluted water from Lake Okeechobee to be discharged into the Atlantic Ocean and killing marine life.
"As the rainy season is fast approaching, we direct the polluted waters be redirected into the state Capitol's front doors and remove Rick Scott as the governor. The residents of Florida and citizens of the world will no longer be the subject of his greed and weakness for his self-worth."
The speaker in the video, using a computerized voice and wearing the signature Anonymous mask, also accuses Scott of "collusion of corruption," of making a "mockery of the judicial process" and protecting "corrupt politicians."
Scott, appearing in Miami to sign a bill authorizing new treatment programs for those with mental illness and drug abuse problems, did not reply to the Anonymous allegations of corruption, which were lacking in specifics.
Scott did respond to claims he hasn't done enough to protect Florida's water. The governor said he has crafted and funded a program that will protect water statewide.
"With this money, we can make sure we protect the Everglades. With the money up north, we can protect our springs. So, we're clearly heading in the right direction. This state can be proud of what we're doing," Scott said.
The group also seems to think Florida's small business and tourism sectors have suffered under Scott's leadership.
"The residents of Florida and small business owners livelihood have been jeopardized by his leadership. Tourists are seeking elsewhere to plan their vacations," said the speaker.
The group also shines a negative light on the Florida Bar Association and Judicial Qualifications Commission.
"The appeals process is rigged with Attorney General Pam Bondi."
The group ends the video with a warning, "We do not forgive and we do not forget."
We Are Anonymous hackers have been credited with some notable accomplishments. They have hacked and destroyed more than a thousand ISIS web and twitter sites. They have lead law enforcement to purveyors and consumers of child pornography and have exposed abuses at a treatment program for troubled pediatric patients. They have been criticized for publishing personal addresses and contact information for public officials, including a Palm Beach County prosecutor who they believe bungled a case involving a fatal police shooting.
Watch the entire video attack on Governor Scott here:
The Anonymous group recently declared "total war" on Donald Trump by calling for hackers to take down Trump's websites. The campaign wasn't entirely successful. Only a few of Trump's unprotected websites were disrupted temporarily.
