Pro Gun Group Challenges Florida's Open Carry Law

on 10/5/2023 there was a significant development in the world of firearms. The National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR) has taken a bold stance against Florida's long-standing ban on open carrying of firearms. The organization has sent a cease and desist letter to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, arguing that the ban is unconstitutional and violates the principles established in landmark Supreme Court cases, specifically District of Columbia v. Heller and New York Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen.

In the strongly-worded letter, NFGR makes it unequivocally clear that open carry of firearms outside the home is a constitutionally protected right under the Second and Fourteenth Amendments. The organization contends that any regulations imposed by the government, whether state or federal, must align closely with the text, history, and tradition of firearms regulations that were broadly in effect at the time the Second or Fourteenth Amendments were ratified.

The NAGR's letter asserts that Florida's current restrictions on open carry are out of step with the United States Constitution and calls on the state to rectify this situation promptly. Should Florida be unwilling to bring its laws into compliance with the Constitution, the NFGR warns that it will not hesitate to take legal action in federal court to defend the rights of citizens.

Crucially, the NAGR has also offered Florida a list of ongoing cases where restraining orders have been successfully obtained against similar unconstitutional laws by applying the Supreme Court's Bruen decision. This gesture underscores the organization's commitment to ensuring that citizens' Second Amendment rights are upheld and protected.

Organizations like the National Association for Gun Rights play a vital role in safeguarding the rights of American citizens and combatting unconstitutional acts or laws imposed by the government. They serve as guardians of the Second Amendment, advocating for the principles of individual gun ownership while holding authorities accountable when those rights are infringed upon. This case involving Florida's open carry ban exemplifies the critical role such organizations play in preserving the liberties and freedoms of the American people.

As this story develops, it remains to be seen how Florida's government will respond to the NAGR's cease and desist letter and whether this dispute will ultimately be settled in federal court. In any case, it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing debates surrounding Second Amendment rights and the essential role that advocacy organizations play in shaping the national conversation.