The group known as the Dream Defenders held a conference call with reporters Tuesday to denounce proposed legislation known as the “warning shot” bill. Florida State University student Amanda Merced says the bill is a dangerous expansion of the state’s Stand Your Ground law.
“There have been at least 134 documented fatal cases in which Florida’s Stand Your Ground law was invoked or at least played a role in it", said Marced. "Pretty much in all states where Stand Your Ground laws have been passed, there’s been a near doubling of justifiable homicides.”
Florida’s Stand Your Ground law allows those who are in danger to defend themselves with deadly force if necessary.
The "warning shot" bill would allow anyone who feels threatened to display a weapon and fire a warning shot in self-defense.
The bill has passed the Florida House and is up for a vote in the Senate.