Democrats, Soto Believe Ron DeSantis' Permitless Carry Law is a'Terrible Setback'

Florida Democrats continue their criticism of Governor Ron DeSantis' (R) signage of constitutional concealed carry in Florida, meaning a permit is no longer necessary.

Representative Darren Soto (D) recently called the signage "a terrible setback that will cost many more lives to gun violence and put law enforcement at risk."

"After Pulse, Parkland and so many other tragedies, Florida came together and passed common sense gun safety reforms. Gov DeSantis’ new permitless concealed carry law is a terrible setback that will cost many more lives to gun violence and put law enforcement at risk," said Rep. Soto.

The "common sense reforms" Rep. Soto referred to included raising the legal purchasing age for guns to 21 and a risk protection order law ("red fag" law), which gives law enforcement legal precedent to revoke ownership of weapons if someone indicates they intend to do harm.

Other Florida Democrats have made similar criticisms, including State Senator Shevrin Jones, who called the bill "reckless" and said "the last thing we need" is more people allowed to carry weapons without a permit.

"Thanks to the gun lobby and their GOP enablers in the legislature, our communities will be less safe, not more, with this latest reckless DeSantis priority. Permitless carry increases the risk of both intentional violence and unintentional shootings, with the facts clearly showing an increase of fatalities and gun crimes in the dozens of states that have passed similar laws. There is no denying we face a gun violence epidemic in this state and our country. People are yearning for solutions because every Floridian ought to feel safe at school, the grocery store, the movies, entertainment venues, where they worship. The last thing this moment calls for is MORE untrained, unvetted, potentially dangerous individuals with guns in public places," stated Sen. Shevrin Jones.

Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick easily made the strongest condemnation, asking God to "forgive [DeSantis] for this moment."

"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," said Rep. McCormick.