Defeat for the Gun Lobby: Florida Moms Demand Action Volunteers Mobilize Following Parkland Shooting to Block Dangerous Guns in Schools Bill

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Florida chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, claimed victory in blocking a dangerous guns in schools bill that policymakers in Tallahassee scheduled for a hearing following the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The bill – which would have allowed teachers, school employees and volunteers to carry guns in elementary, middle and high schools in Florida – was introduced at the beginning of the legislative session. After the mass shooting this week, Florida legislators scheduled the bill for a hearing on Tuesday, February 20.

Volunteers with the Florida chapter of Moms Demand Action made over 2,500 calls and sent over 1,700 emails urging members of the committee to block this dangerous bill. Policymakers in Tallahassee heard them loud and clear. Last night, lawmakers officially pulled the bill from the hearing schedule. Over the coming days, Florida volunteers will urge policymakers to prioritize legislation that would make communities in the state safer, such as Red Flag Laws, which empower family members and law enforcement to petition for the temporary removal of guns from people who could be a danger to themselves or others.

STATEMENT FROM GAY VALIMONT, VOLUNTEER LEADER WITH THE FLORIDA CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:

“Our hearts are broken for the families of those who were killed in Parkland. As we mourn, we also must commit to taking action. What happened in Tallahassee this week proves yet again that the gun lobby is simply no match for moms who are fighting to protect their kids. Our elected leaders in Tallahassee – and statehouses around the country – should know that we won’t rest until they start putting the safety of our kids first.”

STATEMENT FROM KATE KILE, A TALLAHASSEE-BASED MEMBER OF THE FLORIDA CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:

“We were at the statehouse before the sun came up on Thursday, urging the people who represent us to take action. While the overwhelming response to this reckless guns in schools bill may have surprised some politicians, it didn’t surprise me one bit. Moms across our state are fed up and fighting back. Our message is clear – it’s time for politicians to prioritize legislation that will keep our kids safe and put public safety above special interests once and for all.”