Santa Rosa County, FL - Our hearts go out to the families of the victims of today's mass shooting and to the hundreds of Floridians traumatized by yet another act of gun violence. There have been more mass shootings in 2023 than days; 470 according to the Gun Violence Archive which tracks deaths, injuries, and suicides by guns. The mass shooting in Jacksonville, Florida is yet another example of the ways in which our safety is jeopardized when guns legally get into the hands of murderers.
This mass shooting comes in the shadows of extremist Republican politicians in Tallahassee, along with a radical MAGA Governor, who this year, allowed permitless carry of concealed guns in public spaces. These corrupt politicians consistently make decisions that harm our neighborhoods. But instead of taking responsibility for their failures, these same politicians try to divide and distract us by pointing the finger at the people who are harmed by mass casualties. To that we say, no more!
We know what keeps us safe: living in communities where people of every color and background have fair wages, great schools, and affordable healthcare. We are safer when we address our problems with proven solutions, like social support, instead of flippant laws that allow criminals easy access to guns. This moment calls on us to go all in for public safety. Together, we will make this a place where our freedoms are respected and our neighborhoods are protected; no exceptions. As the Jacksonville community begins a path of healing, we demand elected officials to call a special session to address gun violence in Florida.
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