Kendra Moorer- Stand Your Ground Hearing- Multimedia Project

 

 

 

Audio Story featuring a testimony from Dream Defender's executive director, Phillip Agnew

Click link below to listen.

                      https://soundcloud.com/kenbaby13/phillip-agnew-gives-testimony

 

 

 

 

Stand Your Ground Repeal Rejected

 Tallahassee, Fla.---The Florida House of Representatives Criminal Justice Committee held a five-

hour hearing to vote on a bill to repeal or keep Stand your Ground law in Florida.

After hours of testimony and deliberation, the panel reached a decision. With an 11-2 vote, the panel

chose to keep the Stand your Ground law active.

Rep. Alan Williams designed House Bill 4003 to take away deadly privilege from unreasonable

citizens who claim self-defense.

Throughout the hearing testimonies were given in support of the proposed bill and also against. The

parents of slain teen Jordan Davis gave testimonies in honor of their son. Last year Jordan Davis was

shot three times in a Jacksonville parking lot over loud music. The shooter, Michael Dunn, claimed

“stand your ground” defense.

With this incident and many others, some Floridians question how safe the Stand Your Ground

defense really is.

“Florida’s reputation is on the line and if this law is not repealed more lives will be unjustly taken,”

said Lucy Mcbath, mother of Jordan Davis.

After the decision was made some Floridians were outraged and others relieved.

“Nothing was accomplished, the proposed bill could’ve been presented stronger so that we can finally

get justice,” said Stephen Pargett, communications director of the Dream Defenders.

Since the acquittal of George Zimmerman in July, Florida has constantly been in debate.

“It felt like they didn’t want to understand that there are unreasonable people allowed to use weapons

wrongfully,” said Terry Young, business administration student at Florida A&M University.

Rep. Matt Gaetz, chairman of the committee, openly claimed to not support the repeal before the

hearing took place. The final decision came as no surprise to the citizens that attended.

 

 

 

 

Ron Davis, father of Jordan Davis, takes the stand to tell lawmakers why the Stand your Ground law is ineffective.

 

 

Panel of Florida Lawmakers deliberate decision after testimonies were done.

 

 

Tallahassee police officer states why the Stand your Ground helps victims feel safe while in harm’s way.

        Tallahassee police officer tells why the Stand your Ground law is necessary for Floridians.

 

 

 

 

Members from Dream Defenders wait for decision from Florida lawmakers.