Seven years ago, Florida saw the unthinkable happen when a deranged and troubled teen opened fire on his classmates in Parkland. It didn’t take long for anti-gun opportunists to politicize the tragedy and utilize the distress of parents to advance a truly tyrannical agenda. Despite a Republican trifecta in the Florida legislature, the Governor, House, and Senate caved to the gun control lobby, victimizing millions of law-abiding gun owners in the state.
Regardless of the circumstances leading up to this betrayal, it was 67 “NRA A-Rated” Republicans who trampled on our God-given rights. Sadly, the establishment class has dug in their heels, refusing to repeal these egregious constitutional violations. These draconian measures include “Red Flag” Gun Confiscation, a Military-aged ban on purchasing firearms and ammunition, and unnecessary waiting periods that left law-abiding citizens vulnerable when they need protection the most.
Unfortunately, the political class had a chance to fix this situation this session, but RINOs in the legislature refused. They simply did not dare to repeal any of these laws, but there might be some good news. A lawsuit has been going on for the past seven years challenging the constitutionality of the military-aged purchase ban. Just this year, the US 11th Circuit Court upheld the law. But we have a new sheriff in town, and his name is Attorney General James Uthmeier.
While former Attorney General and now U.S. Senator Ashley Moody was in charge, her team worked to uphold this unconstitutional violation of our Second Amendment Rights.
Shortly after Attorney General Uthmeier was appointed to his new role, he stated he had informed his team that they would no longer defend this law because he viewed it as unconstitutional.
On May 16th, a “petition for writ of certiorari” was filed pointing to the 5th Circuit’s earlier ruling that found federally banning 18—to 20-year-olds from purchasing was unconstitutional. From the petition, they state, “This split between the circuits over so fundamental a question is intolerable, and it urgently calls for this (Supreme) Court’s resolution.”
Florida Gun Rights will continue to monitor this situation and update our members on whatever happens. No matter the outcomes, the fight for liberty continues, and without our dedicated members, we would not be in this situation in the first place. For that, I want to thank every one of our dedicated supporters.
About the Author
Logan Edge is the Executive Director of Florida Gun Rights. Logan has spent his political career working for grassroots organizations and candidates, specifically in Florida. He has worked and advised over 25 campaigns; he joins the Florida Gun Rights Team fresh from Capitol Hill after a two-year stint with pro-gun champion Congressman Thomas Massie (R-KY).
