Moms Demand Action Responds After Gov. DeSantis Seems To Suggest That Cities Bear Most Responsibility For Gun Violence Prevention

Gov. DeSantis is Currently Fighting in the Courts to Uphold Penalties Aimed at Chilling Local Officials’ Ability to Fight Gun Violence

Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey Has Joined Other Florida Mayors in Public Support of Gun Safety Laws; Gov. DeSantis is Yet to Support Background Checks Legislation

 TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today responded to Governor DeSantis’ remarks that seem to suggest city officials should solve Florida’s gun violence crisis on their own. Since July, Gov. DeSantis and Attorney General Ashley Moody have been actively appealing a Florida court ruling that would free city officials of the threat of financial penalties and removal from office if they enact reasonable local measures to address gun violence.

“Many of Florida’s local officials show incredible courage by fighting for gun safety in spite of a legislature that would like to kick them out of office for trying to save lives,” said Jamie Ito, volunteer with the Florida chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America in Tallahassee. “If Governor DeSantis really wants to stop hearing sirens in Tallahassee, he should stop fighting to protect an unconstitutional law that cuts city officials off at the knees — and while he’s at it, he should throw the full weight of his office behind legislation requiring background checks on all gun sales.” 

In July, the Leon County Circuit Court found the punitive aspects of Florida’s NRA-backed preemption law to be unconstitutional after it was challenged by a number of Florida cities, including Tallahassee. Soon after, Gov. DeSantis and Attorney General Moody filed an appeal of that ruling. 

A factsheet on gun violence in Florida is available here. If you’d like to connect with a Florida Moms Demand Action volunteer, please reach out.