Students from 2 Florida shootings demand the governor reject a law to lower the gun purchasing age
Share and Follow


WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Days after a deadly shooting on their campus, Florida State University students who also survived a mass shooting in Parkland in 2018 sent a letter Monday to Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis demanding he squash efforts to lower the firearm purchase age back to 18 years old.

The law that raised the minimum gun purchase age to 21 was passed as part of a gun reform package following the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, which was one of the deadliest shootings in the country. For these former Parkland and current FSU students who sent the letter to the governor, this is their second school shooting.

One of the founders for March For Our Lives, a group formed following the shooting in Parkland, led a group of 28 students in writing the letter, calling it “unthinkable” and “dangerous” for the Legislature to consider changing the gun purchase age to 18. Jaclyn Corin said many of the students who demanded action in 2018 after the Parkland shooting are now FSU students who experienced tragedy again.

“There is no doubt that that law has saved lives over the past seven years, and so now it’s quite ironic that this is the very law that is being threatened in the aftermath of what is many of those same students who rose their voices, their second school shooting,” Corin said.

DeSantis and Republican lawmakers have backed the measure, saying that if a person is old enough to be in the military, they should be able to purchase a gun.

Despite having support from Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez, Senate President Ben Albritton has been more hesitant about the measure. In a conference with reporters in March, Albritton got emotional recounting his visit to the Parkland high school building where 17 people were killed. He said he is a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, but that he has not made a decision on the measure.

Thursday’s shooting at a university minutes away from the Florida Capitol may leave an uncertain future for the measure, since it has not yet been heard in the state Senate. The legislative session is scheduled to end next week.

“Rolling it back would dishonor the lives we lost in Parkland and Tallahassee, and amount to a slap in the face to survivors and to the countless lives that law has helped protect,” the letter sent Monday read. “It ignores the trauma we carry. And it sends a clear message to students: the state of Florida sees our lives as expendable.”

The shooter in Parkland was a 19-year-old. He is now serving life in prison.

On Thursday, a 20-year-old FSU student opened fire near the student union, using his deputy sheriff stepparent’s former service weapon. Two people were killed and six injured.

In a statement from Monday morning, Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare announced that three patients were discharged from the hospital, and that they anticipated two more being discharged later that day. The remaining sixth patient is in “good condition.” ___ This story has been corrected to fix the spelling of Jaclyn Corin’s first name.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Strip club executives allegedly bribed tax auditor with lap dances and luxury trips to slash tax bills

Tax Auditor Allegedly Enticed with Exotic Dances and Lavish Getaways by Strip Club Executives to Reduce Tax Liabilities

In a scandal that has rocked the entertainment industry, a group of…
Baseball fans claim World Series is 'rigged' for the Dodgers

Is the World Series Rigged? Dodgers’ Controversial Wins Spark Outrage Among Fans!

Game 6 of the World Series ended in controversy, sparking accusations from…
US Marine arrested, accused of traveling 'to meet, kidnap and sexually assault' 12-year-old girl: FBI

FBI Arrests US Marine for Alleged Plot to Kidnap and Assault Young Girl

An on-duty U.S. Marine was apprehended this week after allegedly journeying from…
Couple help secure girls on roller coaster after alleged seat belt malfunction at Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, Missouri

Heroic Couple Intervenes in Alleged Roller Coaster Seat Belt Malfunction at Kansas City’s Worlds of Fun

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — What was supposed to be an exhilarating day…
Why was Lil Wayne missing from Cash Money vs. No Limit Records Verzuz battle

The Real Reason Lil Wayne Skipped the Cash Money vs. No Limit Verzuz Showdown

The recent Verzuz rap battle spotlighted two iconic hip-hop labels: Cash Money…
Trump signals he'll fund SNAP

Trump Announces Plans to Support SNAP Funding

On Friday, President Trump expressed his willingness to finance the Supplemental Nutrition…
Indiana governor calls special session to redraw maps

Indiana Governor Convenes Special Legislative Session for Redistricting Maps Update

Indiana Governor Mike Braun, a Republican, announced a special legislative session on…
Travis Kelce's ex accused of shading NFL star with Halloween outfit

Did Travis Kelce’s Ex Subtly Troll the NFL Star with Her Halloween Costume? Discover the Buzz!

Speculation is swirling among fans that Travis Kelce’s former girlfriend may have…