Gov. Ron DeSantis issued orders that flags at all local and state grounds be lowered to honor mass shooting victims.
The half-staff memorandum was released after an announcement by Donald Trump that the country’s flags be put to half-staff because of the shootings that occurred over the weekend in Dayton, Ohio and El Paso, Texas.
Trump tweeted a response to the tragedies before the half-staff order:
“God bless the people of El Paso Texas. God bless the people of Dayton, Ohio.” He also praised law enforcement for their fast response.
DeSantis made the following statement about the order, in a news release:
“As our nation mourns the tragic and senseless loss of life in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio, we reaffirm that these acts of violence are not representative of who we are as a nation.
“Florida stands committed to do all that is necessary to support law enforcement efforts for the safety and security of our residents and visitors. May we pray for those who grieve and remember always that we are a resilient nation.”
The governor has recently been in the spotlight for his positions on preventing gun violence.
In June, he signed into law a controversial bill that would potentially arm teachers in districts that allow it.
In July, DeSantis was getting attention again after receiving a blow in a gun control-related lawsuit when Judge Charles Dodson ruled imposing a $5K fine on mayors and city council members who enact gun control policies is unconstitutional. DeSantis is expected to appeal the ruling.
It remains to be seen what additional steps Florida lawmakers will take to protect Floridians from the gun violence epidemic that’s devastating the country. As we hang our heads and lower our flags this week, it is the duty of the legislature to be action-oriented with solutions.
Flags will remain half-staff at all local and state buildings, installations and grounds until Thursday, Aug 8.
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