At least nine people, including minors, were hospitalized on Monday after an altercation turned violent at the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. One person of interest has been detained concerning the shooting, while another remains at large.
Newsom took to social media to react to the reports of the shooting, blaming gun violence on a bill signed by DeSantis in April that eliminates the requirement for an individual to obtain a permit to carry a concealed firearm. He claimed that the permit-less carry bill removes requirements for background checks, instruction, training, and oversight.
"Until our leaders have the courage to stop bowing down to the NRA and enact common sense gun safety, this kind of senseless violence will continue," Newsom tweeted.
However, DeSantis' press secretary, Jeremy Redfern, replied shortly afterward, noting that the bill Newsom referenced is not yet in effect.
May 30, 2023
"Hi Gavin," Redfern said. "How does a law that doesn't take effect until July 1st change this outcome?"
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Newsom's claims about the constitutional carry law removing requirements for background checks are also misleading. The law allows eligible citizens aged 21 and above to carry without asking the government for a permit or paying a fee. The legislation does not change who is qualified to obtain a carry permit, and those who still wish to get a license may do so under the law.
Under existing Florida law, people who wish to obtain a license to carry concealed weapons in public must:
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Though the constitutional carry bill makes getting a license and these requirements voluntary, the federal government still requires licensed firearms dealers to run a background check on prospective buyers. Neither federal nor state law requires private sellers to conduct background checks.
The shooting in Hollywood, Florida, occurred on the Hollywood Oceanfront Broadwalk near a convenience store, a Ben & Jerry's ice cream store, and a Subway sandwich shop. According to a spokesperson for Memorial Healthcare System, the nine people injured included six adults and three children.
Police spokesperson Deanna Bettineschi said four children between the ages of 1 and 17 were hit, along with five adults between 25 and 65. She said one was in surgery late Monday, while the others were stable. It was not immediately clear if the hospital was counting a 17-year-old as an adult. Several of the wounded were taken to a children's hospital, Bettineschi said.
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