On Friday, April 17, six were wounded and two were killed when a 20-year-old student opened fire at Florida State University. For over three hours students sheltered in place while law enforcement cleared the university. For over three hours, they did not know if they or their classmates were going to be okay.
Seven years ago, 17 students and teachers were killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
In the aftermath of this shooting, activists from across the state organized and urged lawmakers to pass laws to raise the age to purchase guns from 18 to 21.
Now, gun-lobby-backed representatives in Tallahassee are attempting to repeal a key piece of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act. They want to lower the age to purchase firearms back down to 18—the age of many high school seniors. We cannot allow this to happen.
Send a message to your lawmakers now, urging them to vote NO on legislation allowing teens to buy guns.
Dear Lawmaker,
I am asking you, as a Floridian, to oppose HB 759 / SB 94, which would repeal a key component of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act by lowering the age to buy guns.
We just witnessed at Florida State University how guns in the hands of those under 21 too often lead to tragedy.
HB 759 / SB 94 would lower the minimum age requirement to purchase firearms in Florida, allowing teenagers, even younger than the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooter, to purchase semi-automatic weapons.
You have the opportunity to protect Floridians and oppose this bill. Please, prioritize public safety and oppose HB 759 / SB 94.