Tag: 2nd Amendment

Florida: Constitutional Carry – HB-543

Its “permitless carry” not “constitutional carry”.

The first bill regarding “constitutional carry” in Florida has been filed by Representative Robert Brannan, of Lake City. It is HB-543. The bill is 63 pages long.

Contrary to common understanding the bill is “permitless carry”, not constitutional carry. Basically, in summary, the bill provides for the permitless carrying of a handgun or other weapon, by both Florida residents and non-residents.

The bill (HB-543) does not require training, fingerprinting or background checks in order to legally carry a firearm or other weapon, anywhere other than where otherwise prohibited. In the Bill, otherwise prohibited maintains all the locations where a firearm or other weapon currently cannot be legally carried. Everything remains the same. That includes businesses or other private property whereby the owner prohibits the possession or carrying of a firearm on his, her or their property.

The bottom line: An individual’s 2nd Amendment right does not trump personal property rights.

As good as permitless and constitutional carry sounds, a surge in the appearance of NO GUNS ALLOWED signs can be expected in private business. Private business that currently tolerate the carrying of firearms by trained, background checked and licensed firearm owners.

Yes, Florida’s concealed carry weapons licensing process needs revision; however, it is not believed that “permitless carry” is the answer.

Florida is the 3rd most populated state in the country, with a population similar to Texas. In September 2021, Texas’ “constitutional carry” law went into effect. Since that time, there has been a 550% increase in firearm violation convictions. That is convictions, not arrests. Firearm violation convictions rose from 1,049 in 2020 to nearly 7,000 since the last year reporting data was available. The same can be expected to occure in Florida. The question begs: Who benefits from “constitutional carry”? Follow the money!

You may not be aware that Florida currently has a “permitless” vehicle carry law in effect. Specifically defined in FS: 790.06, a person who is not otherwise prohibited from owning and possessing a firearm can legally transport a loaded firearm, in a vehicle or other conveyance, without a concealed carry weapons or firearms license, if done so in the manner described.

No background checks are required for vehicle “permitless” carry. No fingerprinting is required for vehicle “permitless” carry. No firearm training is required for vehicle “permitless” carry.

Have you noticed the sky rocking increase in road rage shootings in recent years?

“Permitless carry” in Florida . . . Be careful what you wish for. The result may be that where you currently enjoy the right to carry your concealed carry weapon or firearm (private business property), you will no longer be able to exercise that right. It must be kept in mind that private property rights supersede your 2nd Amendment right.

In the event you are not aware, government takes care of and protects itself.

Neither currently, nor in the proposed bill (HB-543), can a person or will a person be allowed to carry a firearm or other weapon, in any government building where government business is conducted. In addition, neither currently, nor in the proposed bill, can a person or will a person be allowed to carry a firearm or other weapon on any property owned by a public or private school. That includes: pre-school, elementary school, middle school, high school or college. It also includes any school sponsored event.

FLORIDA: Proposed Arms & Ammo Act

“We are all blessed to live in the free state of Florida where our Second Amendment rights are valued and protected . . .”

Florida could be the first state to protect gun sale data with the Arms and Ammo Act.

Florida could be the first state to protect gun sale data with the Arms and Ammo Act.

https://floridapolitics.com/archives/580248-wilton-simpson-wants-to-shield-gun-and-ammo-sale-

January 10, 2023 : Renzo Downey – FLORIDA POLITICS

Florida could be the first state to protect gun sale data with the Arms and Ammo Act.

Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson is unveiling his first legislative proposal since taking office, a first-in-the-nation measure to prevent businesses from tracking Floridians’ firearm and ammo purchases.

Simpson, the former Senate President who was sworn in as Agriculture Commissioner last week, announced his proposal for the “Florida Arms and Ammo Act” Tuesday.

The measure comes in response to new international standards for recording payment transactions last year that established a separate identification code for firearm and ammunition sales. With the new merchant category code, it is potentially easier to track people who have purchased guns or ammo.

“We are all blessed to live in the free state of Florida where our Second Amendment rights are valued and protected, but Democrats in Washington continue to try to chip away at these rights — and we must stay vigilant,” Simpson said.

“The ‘Florida Arms and Ammo Act’ draws a line in the sand and tells multi-national progressive financial institutions, and their allies in Washington, that they cannot covertly create a backdoor firearm registry of Floridians — or else.”

Florida: Armed Good Samaritans Stop Robbery and Assault of Two Women

Another Good Guy(s) with Gun Stops Bad Guy with G

January 7, 2023

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/armed-florida-good-samaritans-detain-140322509.html

A Florida man has been arrested by deputies after two concealed carry permit holders stopped him from escaping by holding him at gunpoint after he allegedly shot two women.

Florida police say Lee David Wilkerson, 38, was standing outside the Bingo Paradise bingo hall in Pensacola, Fla., on Wednesday when two women tried to enter and an argument ensued, according to a Facebook post from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.

When Wilkerson tried to go back into the building, two citizens with concealed guns drew those guns and held him at the scene until police arrived.

Wilkerson allegedly pulled a gun from his side and hit one of the women in the head with it before firing in their direction as they tried to run away.

Wilkerson, who police say was carrying methamphetamine at the time, then allegedly threw his gun into a nearby dumpster.

Lee David Wilkerson, 38, was arrested after shooting two women outside a Florida bingo hall.

Authorities were able to locate Wilkerson’s gun in a nearby dumpster..

Kidnapping Attempt Stopped By Armed Good Samaritan

The suspects were confronted by a bystander and then released the victim, according to police.

December 30, 2022

https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/crime/germantown-police-looking-for-suspects-of-attempted-kidnapping-west-farmington-boulevard-kidnap-danger-safety-bystander-approach-tennessee/522-f762cb56-e7ae-4ad2-9ca7-225e6b87a8fb

The Biden Administration Expands Crackdown On “Ghost Guns”

In an open letter to firearms dealers dated Dec. 27, the ATF told firearm vendors that nearly-complete handgun frames or receivers will be treated the same as fully completed firearms.

December 28, 2022 – The Epoch Times

Biden Admin Expands Crackdown on “Ghost Guns“

The Biden administration has dialed up its crackdown on so-called “ghost guns” by issuing guidance that basically expands the definition of what “readily converted” means in a new federal rule and making more do-it-yourself pistol parts subject to restrictions.

In an open letter to firearms dealers (pdf) dated Dec. 27, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) told firearm vendors that nearly-complete handgun frames or receivers—basically the pistol grip and firing mechanism—will be treated the same as fully completed firearms

For the complete story, go to: https://www.ntd.com/biden-admin-expands-crackdown-on-ghost-guns_891476.html

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives December 27th letter to firearm manufacturers and dealers: https://www.atf.gov/rules-and-regulations/docs/open-letter/all-ffls-dec2022-open-letter-impact-final-rule-2021-05f/download

MASS SHOOTING AVERTED: Good Guy with a Gun Stops Bad Guy with a Gun – Amazon Distribution Center, Chandeler, Arizona

It’s happen again. Mass shooting averted. A good guy with a gun stops a bad guy with a gun.

December 14, 2022

Amazon contracted employee returned fire at shooter outside warehouse.

The suspected shooter was killed when an Amazon contracted employee returned fire, Chandler police said. One other person was hospitalized.

CHANDLER, Ariz. — A contracted Amazon worker returned fire on a suspected shooter at the Amazon Flex warehouse in Chandler, police said.

Investigators believe the deceased man shot an Amazon contracted worker before another employee fatally shot him. The deceased man did not work for Amazon, according to the Chandler Police Department.

The worker who shot the original shooter is cooperating with the police, and authorities said that his actions may have prevented a larger shooting.

“He did come to the aid of an individual who was being shot by our suspect. So and so in that case, I would say he is a Good Samaritan,” said Sgt. Jason McClimans.

Chandler police said the incident did not involve an “active shooter” investigators are working to determine the circumstances leading up to Wednesday’s shooting.

Authorities said they don’t know if it was a targeted attack.

“We’re deeply saddened by this senseless act of violence in our parking lot. We’re working closely with law enforcement as they investigate and are focused on supporting our team during this difficult time,” said Amazon spokesman Richard Rocha.

Bryton Bobbitt was in his delivery van in the Amazon warehouse parking lot near McQueen and Queen Creek roads when the shooting started.

After hearing a “pop, pop, pop” sound, the driver quickly looked for a safe place.

“As soon as I saw employees running, I just put my van in drive and got out of here as quickly as I could,” Bobbitt said.

US House Passes Assualt Weapons Ban

If you never considered doing it before, NOW is the time to contact YOUR United States senator!

July 29, 2022

If H.R.1808 – Assault Weapons Ban of 2022 passes the Senate, it will become the law of the land.

The actual bill (legislation) can be read HERE: https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1808/text

“(41) The term ‘large capacity ammunition feeding device’—

“(A) means a magazine, belt, drum, feed strip, or similar device, including any such device joined or coupled with another in any manner, that has an overall capacity of, or that can be readily restored, changed, or converted to accept, more than 15 rounds of ammunition; and

More than your NRA membership is needed to prevent H.R.1808 – Assault Weapons Ban of 2022 from becoming law.

To make a one-time DONATION that will go directly to the NRA-ILA for defending our 2nd Amendment rights CLICK HERE or go to: https://ingaugeofpolkcounty.com/donate-to-support-and-defend-our-2nd-amendment-rights/?preview=true&frame-nonce=e6027a3946

There are other pro-gun, 2nd Amendment organiztions that claim to fight to defend the 2nd Amendment. However, only the NRA has the size, experience and the weight to be effective.

All donations will go directly to defend our 2nd Amendment rights.  No monies will be used for operational expenses. 

As law abiding gun owners, we are looking at a future that up until now has only been a fear. Today, that fear has become reality.

In-Gauge of Polk County is a registered, non-profit organization, chartered by the National Rifle Association. NRA ID #B94873

Donations received will go directly to the NRA for the defense of our Second Amendment rights. No monies will be used for operational expenses.

“Liberty, once lost, is lost forever.”

John Quincy Adams

Florida Government Official Calls for Background Checks on All Ammunition Purchases

“If you shouldn’t get a gun, you shouldn’t get ammunition.”

The State’s government official responsible for processing and issuing Florida’s concealed carry weapons licenses is publicly calling for background checks on all ammunition purchases and transfers.

Recently, Florida Dept. of Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried criticized Governor DeSantis for vetoing her request for the hiring of 83 additional Dept. of Agriculture employees, for the processing of Florida concealed carry weapons license applications.

He just vetoed 83 positions I proposed for my department to thoroughly process concealed weapon licenses in a timely manner to keep Floridians safe.

Nikki Fried, Commissioner of Agriculture – June 13, 2022

Nikki Fried’s request for 83 additional employees for the processing of licenses appears odd, in so much as, the Dept. of Agriculture is processing and issuing concealed carry weapons licenses in the shortest turnaround time since 2018. Currently, the average application turnaround time is 2 weeks.

Commissioner Fried’s push for ammunition background checks is neither hers alone nor new. Two bills were submitted for action during the 2022 legislative session SB 334 and HB 181. Sen. Tina Polsky and Rep. Dan Daley are the bill sponsors. “If you shouldn’t get a gun, you shouldn’t get ammunition,” Polsky said. “It stops people from purchasing ammunition without a proper background check.”

Democratic leaders including Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried— a gubernatorial contender — rallied around the legislation Tuesday at a press event.

“We need change here in the state of Florida,” Fried said. “We are not asking for the world. We’re just asking for common-sense changes that are going to prevent future tragedies.”

To make a one time DONATION to support the National Rifle Association’s fight to defend the 2nd Amendment CLICK HERE.

Although there are other organizations that claim to defend the 2nd Amendment, there is only one organization that has the size, weight, talent and experience to be affective. The NRA has over 150 years of experience and an incomparable track record.

All monies will go directly toward defending our 2nd Amendment rights. No money will be used for operational expensed. In-Gauge of Polk County, NRA organization charter number B94873

What Can Happen When Your Home Is Invaded and You Are Unarmed . . .

5 killed by Texas escapee died from gunshot and stab wounds

June 9, 2022

CENTERVILLE, Texas (AP) — A Texas grandfather and his four grandsons killed by a prison escapee died from gunshots, sharp force injuries and stab wounds, a medical examiner’s report said.

Convicted murderer Gonzalo Lopez escaped from a prison transport bus last month and is accused of killing Mark Collins, 66, and his four grandsons, who ranged in age from 11 to 18, authorities said.

Authorities believe Lopez attacked the family at their ranch near Centerville, about 115 miles south of Dallas, then stole their truck and drove it more than 200 miles before he was shot to death by police.

A medical examiner’s report released Thursday by a Leon County justice of the peace said Collins and his 18-year-old grandson, Waylon Collins, died from gunshot wounds and sharp force injuries.

The three younger grandsons — 16-year-old Carson Collins, 11-year-old Hudson Collins, and 11-year-old Bryson Collins — died from gunshots and stab wounds.