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Foreign Travelers Warned: Beware of Florida's New Shoot First Law
For Immediate Release: 09-27-2005 . . . Contact Communications: (202) 898-0792

Washington DC – The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence is beginning a public education effort to educate Florida tourists and potential Florida tourists that effective October 1, they face a greater risk of bodily harm within the state of Florida.

That is the date that the state’s new “Shoot First” law also known as the “Stand Your Ground” law, goes into effect.

Individuals who are unfamiliar with Florida’s roads, traffic regulations and customs, or who speak foreign languages, or look different than Florida residents, may face a higher risk of danger – because they may be more likely to be perceived as threatening by Floridians, and because they are unaware of Florida’s new law that says individuals who feel their safety is threatened or their possessions are at risk are legally authorized to use deadly force.

"We think people visiting Florida should be aware of this law, and act accordingly," said Sarah Brady, Chair of the Brady Campaign. "Visitors should be very careful about getting into an aggressive argument with anyone during their stay."


A website offering additional information about the law will go live on Wednesday morning, September 28 at www.shootfirstlaw.org

On Saturday, trained staff will begin to distribute educational materials on this subject to arriving passengers at Miami International Airport beginning Saturday, October 1. This effort may be extended to additional airports in the coming weeks, including Orlando. The material reads, in part:

"The “Shoot First" law is a new law in Florida that police, prosecuting attorneys and gun violence prevention advocates worry may lead to the reckless use of guns on the streets of Florida cities. Before the law was passed, Floridians could carry concealed guns in public places, but they could only use those guns as a last resort when safe avoidance of injury was otherwise not possible. The new law eliminates the duty to avoid the threat and, instead, allows the gun user to "shoot first" to eliminate the threat.

"It is not difficult to imagine likely situations in which individuals may use lethal force where they did not before. An argument on the highway, or a disagreement in a restaurant or nightclub, or a dispute over belongings in a public place such as a beach could lead to unnecessary use of force."

"The Florida 'Shoot First' law was passed over the strong objections of law enforcement officials and prosecutors."

The flyer suggests specific steps visitors should take: Avoid unnecessary arguments with local people; stay in their cars and keep hands in plain sight if involved in a traffic accident or near-miss; and maintain a positive attitude and avoid shouting or threatening gestures if someone appears to be hostile toward them.

posted by LoZo 2:47 PM