Orlando, FL: Today, the Florida First District Court of Appeals ruled that the state’s law banning the open carry of firearms is unconstitutional and violates the Second Amendment. The case stems from the July 4, 2022, arrest of Stanley McDaniels in downtown Pensacola, where he openly carried a holstered pistol while holding a copy of the U.S. Constitution. It should be noted that the state’s Attorney General intentionally did not aggressively defend the state’s ban on open carry, creating a clearer path for the court to make this decision.
Below is Representative Dr. Anna V. Eskamani’s statement in response:
“The decision to strike down Florida’s open carry ban will make our communities less safe. We’ve seen again and again that more guns in public spaces lead to more violence, not less. Today, we witnessed Charlie Kirk being shot and killed at an event in Utah, a tragic reminder that no one is immune to the epidemic of gun violence in this country.
Instead of dismantling common-sense safety measures, we should be focused on preventing tragedies before they happen: strengthening background checks, investing in mental health, and keeping guns out of the hands of those who intend to cause harm. I will continue to oppose reckless policies that put Floridians at greater risk and fight for solutions that prioritize the safety and well-being of every family and person in our state.”