© 2024 90.7 WMFE. All Rights Reserved.
90.7 Orlando • 89.5 Ocala
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Florida Democrats Gain Support For Special Legislative Session On Gun Reform

Rep. Jared Moskowitz of Coral Springs and other Democratic leaders call for gun reform after Pulse attack. Photo by Amy Green
Rep. Jared Moskowitz of Coral Springs and other Democratic leaders call for gun reform after Pulse attack. Photo by Amy Green

Florida Democrats announced Tuesday a new step toward a special legislative session on gun reform.

They are calling for reform that would close what they call a "terror loophole" allowing known or suspected terrorists to buy guns.

The legislation would prohibit gun sales in Florida to those on the Terrorist Watchlist, a national database of known or suspected terrorists.

"Our proposed legislation would also require the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation of any individual taken off these lists before being able to possess a firearm again," Sen. Darren Soto of Orlando says.

The Pulse shooter was investigated twice for possible terrorist ties before lawfully purchasing guns days before his attack. He was not on the watchlist at the time of the June 12 rampage.

"It's very simple: If you're not a terrorist or a suspected terrorist this will not affect you," Rep. Jared Moskowitz of Coral Springs says.

The Democrats say they have enough support to require Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner to poll each member of the Legislature on whether a special session should be called.

A special session must be called if three-fifths of the Legislature agrees.

Amy Green covered the environment for WMFE until 2023. Her work included the 2020 podcast DRAINED.