Response from Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL) on Gun Control/Red Flag Laws

I wrote to U.S. Representative Darren Soto (D- FL) in protest to his support for national Red Flag Laws like those in Florida’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety (Gun Control) law which allows for Risk Protection Orders. Be aware that Soto is a big gun control advocate including banning of all AR-15 style rifles which he falsely claims are “assault rifles” and also all high capacity magazines over 10 round capacity.

His letter below is a total false smokescreen when he says,

“Please know, this is not an effort to take guns away from lawful gun owners or to undermine the Second Amendment – it is a common-sense solution that would ensure the current law is fully implemented without loopholes in order to keep our communities safe.”

This means he supports the totally unconstitutional Risk Assessment Orders allowing seizures of firearms, ammo, permits without Due Process.

LETTER FROM REPRESENTATIVE SOTO

Dear Royal,

Thank you for contacting me to share your concerns regarding gun-related legislation. Hearing from you helps me better represent Florida’s Ninth Congressional District.

I am sure that, like me, the alarming number of violent, gun-related tragedies has left you grief-stricken for the innocent children, teachers, first responders, and families who fell victim to these acts. We have a responsibility to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals and other dangerous individuals. I strongly believe we must work to protect all Americans – men, women, and children – from gun violence.

An overwhelming majority of gun owners are law-abiding citizens, but it can be too easy for criminals and others that cannot pass background checks to obtain firearms. Please know, this is not an effort to take guns away from lawful gun owners or to undermine the Second Amendment – it is a common-sense solution that would ensure the current law is fully implemented without loopholes in order to keep our communities safe.

I also believe we need to improve mental health services. It is critical that we work to ensure that mentally ill individuals are not further stigmatized or assumed to be universally dangerous and violent. At the same time, it’s also important that we ensure that all Americans have access to quality mental health care in their communities. Mental illness is not the cause of most crimes, but we may be able to prevent some future tragedies by providing better care and services.

Should any related bills make it to the floor of the House of Representatives for a vote, I will keep your views in mind. Thank you for taking the time to share your views with me, I hope you continue to do so in the future.
Sincerely,

Darren Soto
Member of Congress

RELATED ARTICLE: How America’s Gun Culture Cultivates Civic Virtue

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