After weeks of anticipation, US Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has finally filed his "National Stand Your Ground Bill." Rep. Gaetz's measure has garnered far-reaching Republican support.
In the aftermath of the Kyle Rittenhouse trial and his not guilty verdict, Rep. Gaetz announced his intentions on filing a national stand your ground measure, inspired by the actions taken by Rittenhouse almost 2 years ago.
Gaetz has since teased a bill that would effectively, "abolish the duty to retreat nationwide." The Congressman told The Floridian earlier this month, "We’re drafting the national stand your ground legislation now, we expect it to be filed in the coming days and certainly this year, and we’re gathering Republican support to abolish the duty to retreat nationwide."
The Florida Congressman certainly succeeded in his campaign to gather support, garnering co-signers: Reps. Louie Gohmert (TX-01), Paul Gosar (AZ-04), Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA-14), Markwayne Mullin (OK-02), Greg Steube (FL-17), and Randy Weber (TX-14) to help introduce the National “Stand Your Ground Act” of 2021.
Other key GOP players such as Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) and Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) voiced support for the direction of the bill.
Representative Gaetz released a statement today, upon officially filing the highly anticipated legislation, and giving a shoutout to his potential new legislative intern.
“Like Kyle Rittenhouse, every American has the right to defend their life from an attacker. If someone tries to kill you, you should have the right to return fire and preserve your life. Let's reaffirm in law what exists in our Constitution and in the hearts of our fellow Americans. Abolish the legal duty of retreat everywhere," stated Gaetz.
The bill aims to codify Florida’s ‘Stand Your Ground’ law at the federal level, abolishing the duty of retreat when attacked.
