'Tone Deaf': Rep. Shevrin Jones criticizes lawmakers' proposal allowing students to carry guns on college campuses

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. - Sen. Shevrin Jones, D-Miami Gardens, responded Wednesday to a bill proposed by Rep. Randy Fine, R-Palm Bay, that would end 'gun free' zones and allow students to carry guns on college campuses.

"I think at this time it's pretty tone deaf for anyone to even float an idea like that," Jones told The Floridian. Jones also lists reducing gun violence as one of his priorities on his website.

Fine announced his proposal for Florida's upcoming 2025 Legislative Session following a reported attack on two Jewish students wearing kippas at the University of Pittsburgh.

"It's unfortunate that these students were not carrying in order to put the Nazi down. This is why I will be introducing legislation next session to end college campuses as gun-free zones. "Your second amendment rights don't end because woke queer studies "professors" don't like them," Fine said. #FireAway

Fine, the Legislature's only Jewish Republican, has advocated for support of Israel in the House since Hamas' terrorist attack on the country on Oct. 7. In May, Fine also announced he would introduce legislation adding any country that recognizes "Palestine" to Florida's list of scrutinized countries.

Fine also sponsored a bill during the 2024 Legislative Session that allocated $20 million in security to boost Jewish day schools. The measure, later signed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, was in response to a rise in antisemitic remarks

Furthermore, Fine warned he would put "severe limitations" on entities on countries doing business in and out of Florida. His statement also specifically called out Spain, Ireland, and Norway.

While also mentioning Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Cuba, Fine said each country should "govern yourselves accordingly."

"In Florida, if you support Muslim terror, you will be treated like a Muslim terrorist," Fine said on his X account.

Miami-Dade GOP Chairman and state Rep. Alex Rizo, R-Hialeah, declined to comment for this story