State News

Parkland Aftermath: Florida Lawmakers, Activists Say 'No More' To School Shootings

Thousands of people support students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in a rally for gun control at the Florida capitol (2/21/18).The Florida legislature is poised to pass some of the most sweeping gun control and mental health reforms in more than 20 years. The moves come as lawmakers face pressure from students affected by the Valentine's Day shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.On Valentine's Day, a 19-year-old in Parkland opened fire on his former classmates at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. He killed 14 students, three adults, and injured 14 others. There were warning signs, yet, all, including a tip to the FBI, were missed.That day, school safety measures in place, like school resource officers, restricted access and fencing--all failed.In the wake of the shooting, students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas have mobilized, calling on the legislature to take greater action to prevent school and mass shootings. Lawmakers, it seems, are finally listening.https://youtu.be/6PRPEfu7WPg

Group Pushing Assault Weapons Ban Names Steering Committee

WFSU | By Shawn Mulcahy

Published April 30, 2018 at 4:52 PM EDT

The organization behind a petition drive to put an assault rifle ban on the 2020 ballot announced its steering committee Monday.

Ban Assault Weapons NOW announced the newest additions to its team as it gears up to push an amendment banning assault weapons onto the 2020 ballot.

U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.) and Coral Springs Mayor Skip Campbell will serve as the campaign’s two co-chairs with nine others joining the steering committee.

Among those brought on are League of Women Voters Florida President Patricia Brigham, former Republican state senator Paula Dockery and relatives of people killed in the Pulse Nightclub Shooting and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.