Man Celebrating New Gun Law Arrested After Police Shooting
A South Florida man, who fired a rifle into the air to mark the state’s new open-carry gun law, has found himself in hot water. After over two months of hospitalization, the 37-year-old has been booked into Miami-Dade County jail, facing a staggering 53 charges.
Among these charges are serious felonies like assault with a deadly weapon, resisting an officer with violence, and possessing a short-barrel rifle. Additionally, there are 48 misdemeanor counts for recklessly discharging a firearm in public, as per court records.
The incident unfolded on July 7 when police responded to an apartment complex. They discovered a man clad in body armor, shooting his gun into the sky. Witnesses later revealed that he claimed to be celebrating the newly effective law that permitted open carry, starting on July 1.
Police Confrontation and Shooting
An officer at the scene commanded the man to cease firing and display his hands. However, instead of complying, the man attempted to flee. While making his escape and trying to enter an apartment, he turned towards the officer, who then opened fire, striking the man multiple times. The wounded man was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he remained until his recent arrest.
New Gun Law Background
The new law, signed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis in April, allows individuals legally entitled to own guns in Florida to carry them concealed without the need for a permit.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible firearm handling and the potential consequences of reckless actions with firearms.