It could happen in Pennsylvania

By now most people have seen the news about the tragic murder of 17 year old Trayvon Martin in Florida, and his killer, George Zimmerman, who has dodged punishment for his crime by invoking Florida’s “Shoot First” law, which was drafted and lobbied by the NRA. He never should have even been allowed to carry a gun.

What people might not know is that Pennsylvania has a similar law on the books.

Last June our legislature passed the "Castle Doctrine Expansion" bill, which changed the law in Pennsylvania to allow deadly force even if it isn’t absolutely necessary. That bill was also written by the NRA, and Governor Corbett signed it into law immediately.

But the similarities dont stop there. Zimmerman was carrying his gun using a concealed carry permit issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture despite a history of violence, including assaulting a police officer. Because Governor Corbett and the legislature refuse to close the "Florida Loophole" a Pennsylvania resident with a record like Zimmerman's could apply to Florida and get a concealed carry permit, even if Pennsylvania police have already said "NO."

If we don’t act now to correct these terrible mistakes, it is only a matter of time before Pennsylvania witnesses a local tragedy similar to the murder of Trayvon Martin. This teenager just lost his life in Florida, and every year 1,200 Pennsylvanians are shot and killed. How many more lives must be lost before our legislature does the right thing?

Send the Governor and legislature a message today and remind them that the last thing Pennsylvania needs is an excuse for gun violence.