Florida to allow citizens to open fire whenever they see threat

news.yahoo.com.../afp/20050406/t s_alt_afp/uscrimeguns_050406201103


U.S. National - AFP


Florida eyes allowing residents to open fire whenever they see threat

Wed Apr 6, 4:11 PM ET U.S. National - AFP



MIAMI (AFP) - Florida's legislature has approved a bill that would give residents the right to open fire against anyone they perceive as a threat in public, instead of having to try to avoid a conflict as under prevailing law.






Outraged opponents say the law will encourage Floridians to open fire first and ask questions later, fostering a sort of statewide Wild West shootout mentality. Supporters argue that criminals will think twice if they believe they are likely to be promptly shot when they assault someone.


Republican Governor Jeb Bush, who has said he plans to sign the bill, says it is "a good, commonsense, anti-crime issue."


Current state law allows residents to "shoot to kill if their property, such as their home or car, is invaded by an unknown assailant."


But it also states that if a resident is confronted or threatened in a public place, he or she must first try to avoid the confrontation or flee before taking any violent step in self defense against an assailant.

Sorry if this was posted before, i havent seen it. This could open up a problem of tremendous proportions, IMHO.
Bring back the wild wild west.

Here in Texas a resident can apply for a conceled handgun license after taking (and passing) a gun course that is offered by a licensed instructor.

In order to get a license to carry... the person has to be a law abiding citizen. There is a criminal background check. I'm sure Florida will set forth the same type of rules. It can deter crime.