The Media Lost Their Minds Over The New Florida Gun Law. But Violent Crime Dropped

In July 2023, when Florida became the 26th state to adopt constitutional carry through House Bill 543, media outlets and Democrats unleashed a wave of criticism, predicting an increase in violent crime. 

However, more than six months later, evidence has emerged that challenges these claims, showcasing a significant drop in violent crimes, including shootings, in the Sunshine State’s major cities.

Media Backlash at Constitutional Carry

Corporate media and anti-gun advocates were quick to condemn Florida’s move toward constitutional carry. Headlines such as “Following mass shootings, DeSantis signs permitless carry bill” from NBC News and Forbes amplifying rhetoric from gun control groups set the stage for a fierce debate. 

Even the White House joined in, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre calling it “shameful” and the “opposite of commonsense gun safety.”

Contrary to the fearmongering, data now reveals a decline in violent crimes since the adoption of constitutional carry. In Jacksonville, murders and homicides dropped by 6 percent in 2023 compared to the previous year. 

The most notable reduction occurred in Miami, where homicides went from 49 in 2022 to 31 in 2023 – the lowest recorded number in the Magic City. Additionally, non-fatal shootings in Miami decreased by 34 percent, and non-contact shootings saw a notable decline.

Constitutional Carry’s Potential Impact

While it’s essential to consider multiple factors contributing to reduced crime rates, Florida’s constitutional carry law challenges the narrative that permitless concealed carry would lead to more “senseless tragedies.” 

The respect for citizens’ constitutional right to self-defense could be influencing these positive outcomes. Research indicates that legal gun owners, empowered by the Second Amendment, play a role in deterring and preventing crimes.

The decrease in violent crimes aligns with studies showing that constitutional carry laws do not turn legal gun owners into criminals. Instead, the emphasis on permitless carry reinforces the idea that responsible gun owners contribute to public safety. 

Legal firearm use is estimated to thwart around 2.5 million crimes annually, emphasizing the positive impact of allowing citizens the right to defend themselves and others.

Good Guys with Guns and Crime Prevention

Florida’s experience with constitutional carry stands as a testament to the potential benefits of empowering law-abiding citizens. 

As data continues to challenge the initial apprehensions, the discussion around gun rights and public safety takes on new dimensions. The Florida case suggests that constitutional carry, when approached responsibly, can contribute to a safer society, dispelling the myths propagated by its critics. Still, can we be completely certain that it is a fact remains to be seen.

What are your thoughts on this? Does Florida’s success with constitutional carry challenge the prevailing narratives around gun control, highlighting the potential for responsible firearm ownership?

How might the evidence of decreased violent crime in major Florida cities reshape the ongoing debates about Second Amendment rights and public safety?

In light of the positive outcomes in Florida, should other states reconsider their stance on constitutional carry, and what could be the broader implications for nationwide gun policy?The post The Media Lost Their Minds Over The New Florida Gun Law. But Violent Crime Dropped appeared first on ISoldMyHouse