‘Constitutional carry’ threatens public safety

Gov. Ron DeSantis, Rep. Anthony Sabatini and other Florida Republicans have pushed pro-gun legislation that they would like us to refer to as “Constitutional Carry.” It’s a shorthand that’s at best misleading and at worst downright reckless.

The truth is, no federal court has ever held that requiring a permit to carry a loaded, concealed handgun in public violates the U.S. Constitution. And nearly 90% of Americans agree that permits should be required. This legislation would do away with those permits, do away with required training (which is too little as it is) — safeguards that are meant to stop untrained, irresponsible people from purchasing deadly firearms on a whim.

DeSantis and his cohort can call this bill whatever they want. As a person who values my constitutional rights, I see this ploy for permitless carry for what it is: a threat to public health and safety.

Adrienne Egolf