Post-FSU Push for Gun Control: A Misguided Reaction to a Deeper Problem

In the wake of the recent Florida State University (FSU) shooting incident, Florida Democrats are seizing the moment to ramp up efforts for more restrictive gun control legislation. While any act of violence is tragic—and we absolutely support measures that keep firearms out of the hands of criminals and the mentally ill—it’s important to recognize that reacting with broad-brush firearm restrictions often misses the mark.

At Fortress Firearms Training in Fountain Inn, SC, we believe in the power of education, responsibility, and constitutional rights. The conversation following the FSU incident highlights a growing trend of blaming lawful gun ownership for the acts of a few disturbed individuals. Unfortunately, such legislation does more to hinder responsible citizens than it does to prevent future tragedies.

The FSU Shooting: What Happened?

In April 2024, a gunman opened fire on FSU’s campus, injuring multiple students before taking his own life. The attacker had a criminal history and mental health challenges, and despite those red flags, the system failed to prevent him from acquiring a firearm. This tragedy, while heartbreaking, is not a call to infringe on the rights of law-abiding citizens. Instead, it’s a glaring example of systemic failure in enforcing existing laws.

Rather than analyze what went wrong in the enforcement of current laws, House Democrats in Florida are now pushing for sweeping gun control bills that would change the fabric of gun ownership rights across the state. These include:

• Increased red flag laws that could allow authorities to confiscate firearms based on unsubstantiated claims
• Universal background checks—a policy that history shows criminals consistently bypass
• Bans on so-called “assault weapons”, a term often misused to describe common semi-automatic rifles used by sportsmen and responsible gun owners

The Flaws in These Proposals

First and foremost, none of these proposed bills would have stopped the FSU shooter, based on the facts currently available. The push seems more politically motivated than practical. Here’s why these laws raise serious concerns:

• Red flag laws often lack due process, allowing temporary confiscation without a criminal charge, trial, or even a defense from the accused.
• Universal background checks sound good in rhetoric, but in reality, criminals obtain firearms largely through black market channels, not licensed dealers.
• Assault weapon bans target certain gun styles rather than functionality, punishing aesthetic design features instead of the root issues behind violence.

Moreover, many of these proposals chip away at the rights enshrined in the Second Amendment. At Fortress Firearms Training, we firmly believe that the answer to violence is not disarming the public. In fact, empowering individuals through proper firearms training and education can deter and even stop threats when seconds count.

The Role of Firearms Training in Public Safety

One of the key elements missing from the gun control narrative is the importance of competent firearms training. Equipment without education is a poor equation—and yet, instead of promoting training and responsible ownership, politicians often jump straight to banning and restricting tools of self-defense.

At Fortress Firearms Training, we work diligently to provide training courses in:

• Concealed Weapons Permits (CWP) – empowering citizens with the knowledge and legal framework to carry responsibly
• Home Defense – educating families on how to protect their home without unnecessary risk
• Defensive Pistol and Rifle Training – emphasizing accuracy, judgment, and safety under pressure
• Women’s Firearm Training – offering tailored instruction for female gun owners wanting to improve their confidence and capability

If lawmakers are truly serious about public safety, they should call on more training—not less freedom.

Gun Ownership is Not the Problem—Lack of Enforcement Is

When we look at violence across the country, it’s clear that firearms are not the issue. Criminal behavior, lack of mental health support, and inconsistent enforcement of current laws are. Ironically, many of the same legislators who support reducing prison sentences and loosening bail requirements are advocating for stricter gun control under the guise of safety. You can’t selectively enforce justice and expect genuine results.

Rather than focusing on feel-good legislation that undermines the constitutional rights of citizens, why not highlight policies that actually address the root causes of violence? We should be:

• Improving coordination between mental health professionals and law enforcement
• Strengthening enforcement of existing gun laws, not creating redundant ones
• Supporting firearms safety education and training for citizens

Our Constitutional Duty

The Founding Fathers recognized a fundamental truth: the right to bear arms is essential to the protection of all other freedoms. When tragedies occur, the emotional response is understandable, but emotion must not override reason. The calls for more restrictive gun laws following the FSU shooting incident are yet another step toward eroding our core liberties—based more on optics than effectiveness.

We urge Florida legislators—and all Americans—to resist the impulse to penalize responsible gun owners for the actions of lawbreakers. Instead, let’s demand better enforcement of the laws that already exist and invest in training networks that prepare everyday people to defend themselves and others responsibly.

At Fortress Firearms Training, we’re not just teaching firearms handling—we’re advocating for a stronger, safer, freer America. That’s why we invite you to learn more about the programs we offer by visiting https://www.fftcwp.org.

Final Thoughts

Gun control bills born out of tragedy often lead to misguided and overreaching laws that restrict freedoms without real effect on safety. The aftermath of the FSU incident is no exception. Instead of pushing forward with flawed political agendas, it’s time we double down on education, training, and reinforcement of constitutional rights. The Second Amendment isn’t the problem—it’s part of the solution.