Former Florida Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith (D) is calling out Republicans, calling them liars. Guillermo Smith took to social media to slam House Republicans for pursuing open carry in Florida.
The issue has been largely divisive across the country, but with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) supporting open carry, Democrats are rallying to push back against the effort.
The measure has been publicly opposed by law enforcement officials, but Governor DeSantis has signaled that he supports open carry. After a recording was released of DeSantis commenting that he supports open carry, the state office was questioned regarding his perspective.
Bryan Griffin, a spokesperson for Gov. DeSantis, commented that “the governor strongly supports the constitutional right of Americans to bear arms, and he has repeatedly stated publicly that he hopes to sign constitutional carry legislation this year,”
In response to the support, Rep. Guillermo Smith warned of a new amendment that would expand the bill that has already been signed.
🚨Florida House Republicans have filed a floor amendment to expand the already deadly permitless carry bill to full OPEN CARRY!
This is NOT a drill! HB 543 has been fast-tracked and the amendment will be voted on in the full House on 3/23.
Call your Reps! Tell them to vote NO! pic.twitter.com/VKPfspqAY3
— Carlos Guillermo Smith (@CarlosGSmith) March 21, 2023
Rep. Guillermo Smith commented that "Florida House Republicans have filed a floor amendment to expand the already deadly permitless carry bill to full OPEN CARRY!"
"This is NOT a drill!" Guillermo Smith continued, sharing that "HB 543 has been fast-tracked and the amendment will be voted on in the full House on 3/23" before urging listeners to call their "Reps! Tell them to vote NO!"
Republicans promised that open carry would not be considered this session-- THEY LIED!
The passage of either open carry or permitless carry means more Floridians will die from gun violence.
Tell your Reps to vote NO on the open carry amendment + HB 543!https://t.co/HlDcZGxOsu pic.twitter.com/SG01CAgHgV
— Carlos Guillermo Smith (@CarlosGSmith) March 21, 2023
Guillermo Smith called on his supporters to call others and oppose the bill.
Las year, Governor DeSantis announced that he would be bringing the "constitutional carry" measure for Floridians. According to the legislation presented, it "would allow people to skip current concealed carry permit requirements that include weapons training, a background check and fingerprinting, along with a fee of $97 for first-time Floridian applicants."
In contrast, gun safety advocates argue that communities will be less safety should the bill pass.
