AG candidate vows action on gun violence
TALLAHASSEE — Declaring that “inaction is not an option” Democratic Attorney General candidate Sean Shaw said Thursday he’ll develop plans to combat gun violence on his first day in office.
“We have a gun violence epidemic in this state and country — and we need leaders who are ready to take action to save lives,” he said. “It’s unacceptable to live in a state with so many homicides by firearm and ignore solutions.”
Shaw, a state House member from Tampa, cited the mass shootings at Pulse nightclub and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in calling for a working group to develop recommendations to reduce gun violence. He also cited the recent shooting in Clearwater that has driven criticism of Florida’s “stand your ground” law.
Under his plan, if elected, he’d set up the group his first day in office. The task force would be made up of Cabinet members, lawmakers, law enforcement officials, public defenders, mental health organizations, students, teachers and school officials.
The group would return recommendations within 60 to 90 days, on topics including from the state’s preemption of local gun laws, 3-D printing of guns, the sale of assault-style weapons and school shootings. But Shaw already is eyeing some action on his own. He’d like to see the responsibility for reviewing background checks for concealed-carry permits moved from the Agriculture Commissioner’s office to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. He also wants a repeal of the “stand your ground” law.
The “solutions” envisioned by Shaw, however, would require legislative approval. That’s unlikely given that even if Democrats gain seats in November, the Legislature is likely to stay in Republican hands, where the GOP enjoys an 89-41 edge in the House and a 23-17 advantage in the Senate.
“I recognize thoughts and prayers have never been enough on their own,” he said at a press conference in the Capitol. “No attorney general, no single person can eradicate gun violence on their own. This is going to take a concerted effort, a holistic approach.”
Shaw added that he didn’t have any data or a set target to reduce gun violence, but said part of the task force’s mission could be to gather data.
He’s in a Democratic primary with Tampa lawyer Ryan Torrens. The winner will face the winner of the Republican primary between state Rep. Frank White of Pensacola and Ashley Moody, a former Tampa judge and federal prosecutor.