The League of Women Voters, the NAACP, and a group calling itself, Generation Progress, are hosting an advanced screening of an HBO documentary, followed by a panel discussion this weekend. It centers around Florida’s controversial Stand Your Ground law.
The Sunday event is a sneak preview of a documentary airing on HBO later this month called “3 ½ MINUTES, TEN BULLETS.” Patti Brigham, who chairs the League of Women Voters of Florida’s Gun Safety Committee, says it’s about the shooting death of Jordan Davis in 2012. His shooter claimed self-defense.
“It’s about sort of infamous Stand Your Ground case in Florida,” said Brigham. “Michael Dunn, middle aged white man, Jordan Davis, African American teenager. It was a shooting in Jacksonville at a gas station over the volume of the music coming from the young man’s car, Jordan Davis. And, Michael Dunn wound up firing 10 bullets at the car, which was filled with unarmed teenagers.”
After the viewing, a panel discussion will take place. Members of Florida State University's League and the NAACP will sit on the panel. Rep. Alan Williams (D-Tallahassee), also on the panel, has filed bills for several years repealing Florida’s Stand Your Ground law.
Brigham says the goal is to not only depict racial bias, but to show what can occur when guns are introduced in certain situations.
“This film coincides with our concern about guns on campus because if you allow guns on campuses, then you’re setting up situations that Stand Your Ground—that defense could apply—or would be used, not necessarily apply, but where a Stand Your Ground defense could be claimed,” she added. “So, we’re very concerned about that. It’s an opportunity for the panel to discuss.”
Brigham and the league are against a bill allowing concealed weapon permit holders to carry guns on campus. It’s moving through both chambers of the Legislature. Supporters say it’s needed to make campuses safer.
The screening and forum are scheduled to take place Sunday at 6 p.m. at the Florida State University Student Life Cinema.
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