Shooting Occurs As Florida Legislature Prepare to Consider SB 140 and HB 6001, Two Dangerous Bills That Would Allow Concealed Handguns in Airports
This Incident is the First Mass Shooting of 2017 and at Least the 158th Since January 2009; Everytown Research (and Visuals) on Gun Violence by the Numbers Available Here
FORT LAUDERDALE – The Florida chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today responded to reports of a shooting in the Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport that killed at least five and injured at least eight more. The shooting took place in the baggage claim area of the airport’s Terminal 2. Police have the gunman in custody; he has yet to be identified, but police believe he acted alone. The motive for the shooting is unknown at this time. This is the first mass shooting in 2017 and at least the 158th since January 2009.
The shooting occurs as Florida lawmakers prepare to consider two dangerous bills that would allow concealed handguns in Florida’s airports. Both SB 140 and HB 6001 would allow individuals with a concealed carry permit to carry handguns inside passenger terminals in airports. SB 140 would also allow guns in elementary, middle and high schools and on college campuses.
STATEMENT FROM MICHELLE GAJDA, VOLUNTEER CHAPTER LEADER WITH THE FLORIDA CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:
“First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and those fighting for their lives in the hospital. While details are still unfolding, we know that at least five people were killed and at least eight were injured in a place where we should all feel safe and secure – the airport. It has been only seven months since the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando, the largest mass shooting in modern American history and it is unfathomable that Floridians should have to face another terrible tragedy like this. Floridians have the right to be in an airport, a nightclub or on college campuses without the fear of possibly being gunned down. Right now, our lawmakers are weighing two dangerous bills, SB 140 and HB 6001, that would allow the presence of guns in passenger terminals in Florida’s airports. Today should serve as a reminder that guns have no place in such areas in our communities. Let us stand together in honor of today’s victims and demand our lawmakers make public safety a top priority once and for all.”