DeSantis' Secret Move: Florida Discretly Passes New Gun Laws

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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis quietly approved a bill letting citizens carry a loaded concealed firearm without a permit.

DeSantis signed the legislation in a private ceremony in his office, and only the bill's sponsors, legislative leaders, and gun rights supporters, including the National Rifle Association, were present.

It was a striking change of pace for a governor who frequently gives grand press conferences and bill-signing ceremonies. DeSantis decided to move from the shadows this time.

Firearms are the leading cause of mortality among children

Florida is now the 26th state to adopt permitless carry legislation in some capacity. One week has passed since six individuals, three children, were shot and killed at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee.

And not just last week, firearms have been the leading cause of mortality among children and adolescents in Florida and the rest of the country.

DeSantis did not stage a public signing ceremony as this high-profile bill, which opposition claims can only lead to a rise in gun crime.

The group invested more than $125,000 in a publicity campaign to defeat the law.

The White House added its voice in a statement, calling DeSantis' actions "shameful."

Both political extremes opposed the bill, which was approved by the state House and Senate primarily along party lines. Dedicated Second Amendment rights supporters urged the Legislature to include a provision permitting people to carry firearms in plain view, despite Democrats portraying the measure as unsafe and claiming it would increase gun crime.

Though he had previously stated that he would support open-carry legislation, DeSantis did not push for it with the same vigor as he had on other matters. Second Amendment organizations queued up during the bill's protracted committee hearings and criticized Republican senators for leaving out the open-carry clause.

What do you think about DeSantis's hush-hush way of passing laws in the Sunshine State?

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