UPDATES:

Petition featured by NBC6 South Florida

Bart’s family members have signed and donated

Office of Florida Rep. Michael Gottlieb responded to the proposed reform, calling it “good legislation,” encouraging further pursuit, and providing guidance on the next steps

MELISSA PAYNE WILL NOT BE CHARGED BY THE BROWARD STATE ATTORNEY’S OFFICE — WE WILL NOT BACK DOWN IN OUR CALLS FOR JUSTICE, TRANSPARENCY, AND ACCOUNTABILITY

 

Contact (listed again below):

Media organizations and journalists: Please contact me by selecting the “Media inquiries” button located at the bottom for interviews, reporting, or requests for comment.

All other messages, questions, or collaboration requests—including from organizations, advocates, influencers, and members of the public: Contact me through Instagram at @abeislive.

 

BACKGROUND AND PETITION DEMANDS:

Bart Diguglielmo was a 62-year-old Army veteran who was shot and killed in the parking lot of a Walmart in North Lauderdale, Florida, after a dispute over a parking space.

A veteran who served his country during war was killed in his own country, in a parking lot, after a confrontation that should never have ended in death.

The public still does not have clear answers. With the Broward State Attorney Office’s release, important questions remain regarding the complete evidentiary record, how key aspects of the encounter and Bart’s background were assessed, and the investigative process that led to the decision.

Questions also remain about the timing. Bart’s family was reportedly given a six-week timeframe beginning July 23, and the decision was announced on September 3—the final day of that six-week period and immediately before Labor Day weekend. The public deserves greater clarity regarding when the decision was reached and why it was announced when it was.

Bart Diguglielmo served his country. He should not die in vain.

 

We call on the Broward Sheriff’s Office and Broward State Attorney’s Office to:

1) Provide greater transparency regarding the investigation and decision, including how key evidence and aspects of Bart’s conduct and background were assessed, whether additional circumstances surrounding the confrontation were considered, what occurred during the review period, when the final decision was reached, and why the announcement came on the final day of the six-week timeframe given to Bart’s family and immediately before Labor Day weekend.

2) Release all legally available records at the appropriate stage, including video, audio, 911 calls, reports, and any closing or declination memorandum, subject to lawful exemptions and necessary redactions.

 

We call on Florida officials to:

1) Establish a consistent statewide transparency standard requiring a written public explanation when prosecutors decline charges in a fatal shooting based on self-defense, once legally permissible.

2) Conduct an independent review of comparable fatal Florida cases and recommend reforms wherever the review identifies inconsistent treatment, unexplained delays, or inadequate transparency.

 

A veteran was killed in his own country, in a public parking lot, after a dispute that should never have ended in death.

Sign this petition to demand justice, transparency, and accountability for Bart Diguglielmo.

 

Contact:

Media organizations and journalists: Please contact me by selecting the “Media inquiries” button located near my name for interviews, reporting, or requests for comment.

All other messages, questions, or collaboration requests—including from organizations, advocates, influencers, and members of the public: Contact me through Instagram at @abeislive.