TALLAHASSEE, FL – A bill that is advancing in Florida could set a precedent where warning shots fired by armed persons who are under attack would be legal, and protect them from prosecution.
The bill is backed by Republicans and the National Rifle Association.
A Republican Florida lawmaker told the Orlanda Sentinel that the bill would “get some protection for the people who find themselves in a bad spot and don’t want to shoot somebody.”
According to Florida law, a person is allowed to use deadly force, like shooting a gun, at another person to defend him/herself. But brandishing a weapon without using could lead to prosecution, as was the case when a Florida woman fired a warning shot during a domestic abuse incident. She got 20 years in prison for that, but is getting a new trial as this legislation advances.
One Mason City man said that the legislation stinks.
“I DO NOT agree with this ‘warning shot’ bill being introduced in Florida. Warning shots are 1) a waste of ammo and 2) just as deadly to innocent bystanders as a misplaced shot. That bullet has to go somewhere, make sure it’s ON TARGET and not killing your neighbor by mistake.”
[poll random]