Florida Students from Two Tragic Shootings Urge Governor to Oppose Law Lowering Gun Purchase Age

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Just days after a tragic shooting on campus, students from Florida State University (FSU) have taken a stand. Many of them also survived the mass shooting in Parkland back in 2018, a horrifying event that claimed 17 lives. This week, they sent a letter to Governor Ron DeSantis, urging him to halt plans to lower the minimum age for purchasing firearms back to 18.

The law, which raised the gun purchase age to 21, was introduced after the Parkland shooting as part of a larger effort to improve gun safety. For these students, this isn’t just about legislation—it’s personal. Jaclyn Corin, a founder of March For Our Lives—a movement born out of the Parkland tragedy—led this initiative. She called it “unthinkable” and “dangerous” for lawmakers to even consider changing the law now.

“There’s no doubt that this law has saved lives over the past seven years,” Corin said. “It’s ironic that the measure that helped protect so many is now being threatened.” Many of these students are experiencing the trauma of a second shooting, and they see this as a betrayal.

DeSantis and some Republican lawmakers argue that if someone can serve in the military, they should also be allowed to purchase a gun. However, opinions within the party vary. Senate President Ben Albritton has expressed concerns but hasn’t made a definitive decision yet. This hesitancy partly stems from his emotional recollection of visiting the site of the Parkland shooting.

The recent shooting at FSU, where a 20-year-old student opened fire using a weapon that belonged to a deputy sheriff, has intensified the debate. Two people lost their lives, and six others were injured. As the legislative session comes to a close, it remains unclear if the push to lower the gun purchase age will advance.

“Rolling back the law would disrespect the lives lost in Parkland and Tallahassee,” the students warned in their letter. They believe it would send a message that the lives and safety of students are not valued.

Statistics show a troubling trend. According to the Gun Violence Archive, the U.S. has witnessed over 600 mass shootings in just the first half of 2023. This surge has highlighted the urgent need for ongoing discussions about gun control and public safety. In a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, 66% of Americans support stricter gun laws, indicating a significant public demand for change.

As this debate unfolds, voices from those directly impacted—like students at FSU—remain crucial. They serve as a reminder of the human cost of gun violence and the importance of thoughtful legislation. This ongoing discourse serves as a pivotal moment not just for Florida, but for the entire nation as it grapples with issues surrounding gun ownership and safety.

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Ron DeSantis, Shootings, Florida, Jaclyn Corin, Crime, Florida state government, School shootings, General news, FL State Wire, Ben Albritton, U.S. news, Daniel Perez