Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried suspended 22 concealed weapons permits for Floridians involved with the January 6 U.S. Capitol breach. The names of the permit holders were not revealed, which is in accordance with the law, but Fried offered a statement calling the January 6 incidents “treason” and “domestic terrorism.”
“The deeply disturbing events that occurred at our nation’s Capitol on January 6th were sedition, treason, and domestic terrorism – and those individuals involved in the insurrection must be held accountable for attempting to subvert our democratic process. Since charges began being filed, we are using our lawful authority to immediately suspend the licenses of 22 individuals involved in the storming of the U.S. Capitol. This is an ongoing effort, and as charges and sentences continue in the wake of this despicable attack, we will further suspend and revoke any additional licenses granted to insurrectionists.”
The suspended permits were specifically directed towards individuals who were charged with a felony and other certain offenses.
On Twitter, Fried said suspended the licenses associated with the “insurrection,” which was “instigated by Donald Trump on January 6, 2021.”
I just suspended the concealed weapons permits of 22 people involved in the insurrection against the United States of America instigated by Donald Trump on January 6, 2021.
— Nikki Fried (@NikkiFried) July 27, 2021
“I just suspended the concealed weapons permits of 22 people involved in the insurrection against the United States of America instigated by Donald Trump on January 6, 2021,” she said.
Despite her claim, it has been proven the riot at the Capitol began before the end of Trump’s speech when he said people will march “over to the Capitol building” to “peacefully, patriotically make your voices heard.”
Conservative-leaning writer Charles C.W. Cooke wrote Fried’s actions were “stupid, but legal.” He points out a provision in Florida’s Constitution where the state can revoke a carry permit “on the mere presentation of charges” and the state has the authority to “regulate the bearing part” of bearing arms.
“Florida’s state constitution explicitly protects the right to keep and bear arms. But it also explicitly permits the state to regulate the bearing part. Here’s the relevant section:
(a) The right of the people to keep and bear arms in defense of themselves and of the lawful authority of the state shall not be infringed, except that the manner of bearing arms may be regulated by law.”
The pro-Second Amendment site Bearing Arms writer Cam Edwards concurred with Cooke’s assessment but said legislators might be taking a look at the state’s role.
“He’s not wrong, and perhaps Fried’s very public highlighting of the Florida statute will lead to lawmakers taking a second look at the laws of the state when it comes to license suspensions or revocations,” he said.
– – –
Grant Holcomb is a reporter at the Florida Capital Star and the Star News Network. Follow Grant on Twitter and direct message tips.
