In recent developments, the fallout over the sexual assault allegations against Florida GOP Chair Christian Ziegler continues to escalate. The controversy has prompted a Pennsylvania chapter of Moms for Liberty to sever ties with the national organization, while the Republican Party of Florida has called for an emergency meeting to discuss Ziegler's future as party chair.

The Northumberland County chapter of Moms for Liberty, based in Pennsylvania, announced on Monday their decision to break away from the national organization. Chapter president Clarissa Paige expressed that their values were no longer aligned with the national group, particularly given the involvement of co-founder Bridget Ziegler in the scandal. The chapter's move highlights the difficulties they face in advocating for parental rights while one of their co-founders is embroiled in controversy.

Meanwhile, the Republican Party of Florida has scheduled an emergency meeting on December 17th to deliberate on Ziegler's fate as party chair. A memo from State GOP Vice Chairman Evan Powers obtained by The Miami Herald detailed that the central topic of discussion will be whether to pursue disciplinary action against Ziegler. Possible punitive measures mentioned in the memo include revoking Ziegler's authority and pay, as well as the potential for expulsion from both his office and the state Republican Party.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has publicly called for Ziegler's resignation, urging him to step aside. DeSantis expressed that while Ziegler is innocent until proven guilty, the party cannot afford to have a chairperson under such scrutiny. The governor emphasized the importance of focusing on the mission to save the country.

Ziegler himself has vehemently denied the allegations, asserting that the accusations are false. In an email sent to state Republicans over the weekend, he underscored his commitment to the country's cause and his unwillingness to let the allegations hinder their mission.

The scandal originated when allegations were first reported last week by The Florida Trident, the news division of the Florida Center for Governmental Accountability. According to the publication, Ziegler is being investigated for sexually assaulting a woman with whom he and his wife, Bridget Ziegler, were involved in a long-term, three-way relationship. Charges against Bridget Ziegler have not been brought forth, as she was reportedly not present during the alleged assault.

According to a police complaint obtained by The Florida Trident, the woman asserts that Ziegler raped her on October 2nd while they were alone in her Sarasota home. The police report contains phrases such as "raped," "sexual assault allegation," and "sexually battered," but significant redactions make it challenging to discern further details.

A subsequent search warrant revealed that Bridget Ziegler admitted to past sexual encounters with the woman, confirming that she and her husband had engaged in consensual activities. However, the woman withdrew her consent for another encounter after learning that Bridget Ziegler would not be involved. Surveillance footage reviewed by authorities showed that Christian Ziegler entered the woman's residence uninvited while she was leaving for a walk. The woman alleges that Ziegler proceeded to sexually assault her, mentioning that he did not use a condom and that she had been drinking prior to his arrival.

Ziegler has admitted to having sexual relations with the woman but denies the assault. He acknowledged filming parts of their encounter but claimed to have deleted the footage. Authorities have seized Ziegler's electronic devices and obtained warrants to access his digital records in the hopes of uncovering any preserved copies of the recording.

The woman, distressed by the assault, confided in a relative, prompting a wellness check by the police on October 4th. A 911 call obtained by The Florida Trident revealed that the woman had expressed feeling scared to leave her house after being raped by the alleged assailant, who had come to her residence uninvited. A rape kit was conducted on the same day.

As the investigation unfolds, the allegations against Ziegler have triggered ripple effects within Moms for Liberty and the Republican Party of Florida. The emergency meeting on December 17th will determine the party's course of action in response to the scandal. While Ziegler maintains his innocence, the political fallout and public scrutiny surrounding the case continue to intensify.

In the interest of transparency and justice, further investigations are underway to shed light on the allegations and ascertain the truth behind the claims against the embattled Florida GOP Chair.