After Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) signed the controversial permitless carry HB 543 measure, a bill that allows Floridians to conceal carry without a permit, Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) released a statement regarding its passage, asking God to “forgive him (DeSantis) for this moment.”
Her statement came just days following the school shooting at The Covenant School, a Presbyterian school in Nashville, Tennessee that left 6 dead, including 3 children.
“America is in the midst of a gun violence crisis that has been targeting our children,” stated Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick.
“Less than two weeks after six lives were taken at a school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee, Governor DeSantis has quietly signed into law the right for Florida residents to carry concealed loaded weapons without permits ― an undeniable win for NRA lobbyists but a loss for millions of Floridians whose lives are now in greater danger," Rep. Cherifilus-McCormick added.
Cherfilus-McCormick would go on to mention that “Florida lawmakers need to support legislative solutions that stem the tide of gun violence before another mass shooting occurs in our state.”
Florida Democrats have contended that permitless carry would lead to more shootings, but because they hold a small minority in the state legislature, their concerns fell on deaf ears.
She would also state that for Gov. DeSantis to sign the legislation, it serves as a signal to America that he has “abandoned his duties” and responsibilities that come with being the Governor, father, and leader.
“The Governor signing this legislation is a signal to all Americans that he has completely abandoned his duties as a governor, father, and leader to protect our children and our country. May God forgive him for this moment," she added.
Similarly, the Congresswoman sent out a press release regarding the two Tennessee State House members that were expelled from their seats by a two-thirds majority vote for leading a disruptive protest regarding gun violence.
Cherfilus-McCormick blamed bigotry for their removal, as the two (now former) members, Rep. Justin Jones (D-TN) and Rep. Justin Pearson (D-TN) are black.
“What happened last night in the Republican-led Tennessee Legislature was a blow to our democracy, expelling Rep. Justin Jones and Rep. Justin Pearson who exercised their First Amendment rights and failing to crack down on the gun violence epidemic. The families of those who lost loved ones in the Covenant School shooting deserve real legislative solutions — not bigotry and petty politics," she stated.
Cherfilus-McCormick won the special election in January of 2022 in District 20 and won reelection in November of the same year in the same district.
