Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried Responds to First DCA Open Carry Decision

Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried released the following statement regarding the First District Court of Appeals ruling that Florida’s ban on the open carry of firearms is unconstitutional:

“I have a long history advocating for the rights afforded in the Second Amendment and have previously petitioned Courts to uphold those rights for all citizens. However, I strongly believe that the First District Court of Appeals has erred in its recent opinion, which paves the way for open carry in the State of Florida. 

Nationwide, we are seeing harrowing levels of gun violence, marked by assassinations, school shootings, and people being killed in places of worship. This is a moment in history when we need to promote safer environments, not embolden those who could abuse the ruling’s intent to sow seeds of terror.  We strongly encourage law enforcement to wait for a final legal judgment before allowing open carry, as it may cause confusion that leads to danger at a time when calm and clarity are so desperately needed.

Historically, the Florida Sheriffs Association, many departments across the state, and leaders on both sides of the aisle have agreed: open carry will make Floridians less safe. The impact of this decision will have negative long-term effects on our communities and further erode Floridians’ trust in one another.”