Florida Republicans Push to Lower Legal Age for Buying Rifles

Nearly six years after the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Florida Republicans are advocating for a change in the law that would lower the legal age for purchasing rifles and other long guns back to 18. This proposal comes in response to the revelation that the shooter, Nikolas Cruz, had legally purchased the AR-15-style weapon used in the attack.

Back in 2018, lawmakers raised the purchase age to 21 in an effort to prevent similar incidents. However, some Republicans argue that the current law is unnecessary and infringes upon the rights of responsible 18-to-20-year-olds. Tony Montalto, who lost his 14-year-old daughter Gina in the shooting, testified against lowering the age, stating that the current law is effective and should not be changed.

During a recent hearing in Tallahassee, Jayden D’Onofrio, who was in middle school nearby when the shooting occurred, voiced his opposition to the bill, citing statistics that show 18-to-20-year-olds are three times more likely to commit gun homicides. Several other speakers echoed this claim, leading to a party-line vote in the subcommittee, with Republicans in favor and Democrats opposed. The bill, known as H.B. 1223, now moves on to another committee before potentially being heard on the House floor.

Data Shows Higher Likelihood of Gun Violence Among Younger Americans

Experts and crime data from various sources indicate that individuals between the ages of 18 and 20, and even those in their early-to-mid 20s, are more likely to commit deadly shootings compared to other age groups. A fact sheet from gun control advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety reveals that 18-to-20-year-olds commit gun homicides at triple the rate of adults aged 21 and older. They arrived at this conclusion by analyzing data from the FBI’s supplementary homicide report and the U.S. Census American Community Survey.

Jeff Asher, a data analyst specializing in criminal justice, examined the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Supplementary Homicide Report for 2020 and found that 18-to-20-year-olds were identified as perpetrators in fatal shootings at three times the rate of 16-year-olds. Daniel Webster, a research scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, also confirmed that FBI data indicates 18 as the peak age for homicide offenders, closely followed by 19 and 20.

James Alan Fox, a criminology professor at Northeastern University, discovered that 18-to-20-year-olds constitute only 4% of the U.S. population, yet they account for 17% of gun homicides and 16% of gun homicides by rifle. These statistics suggest that gun homicides are predominantly committed by young individuals.

Potential Factors Behind the Spike in Gun Violence Among Young Adults

Experts believe that several factors contribute to the higher incidence of gun violence among young adults. One crucial factor is the ongoing development of the human brain, which does not fully mature until the mid-to-late 20s. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for executive control and decision-making, is one of the last regions to develop. This lack of development can lead to impulsive behavior among young people.

Furthermore, the transition from high school to adulthood presents a period of vulnerability for many individuals in this age group. The absence of a structured environment, coupled with cultural factors, can contribute to dangerous and impulsive actions. Additionally, societal expectations and the desire to appear strong and assertive may drive some young men to resort to violence.

Considering these factors, it is evident that further research and measures should be taken to address the issue of gun violence among young adults. While Republicans in Florida push to lower the legal age for purchasing rifles, it is essential to carefully evaluate the potential consequences and prioritize public safety.

Note: The article was written in British English.