A report by Giffords Law Center found that the island has dramatically high rates of gun violence—four times higher than the national average in 2018.
Florida’s weak gun laws have repercussions on the violence that plays out on the streets of Puerto Rico, according to new research by Giffords Law Center.
The report found that Puerto Rico has excessively high gun violence rates. In 2018, it was quadruple that of the national average, and the island’s firearm death rate was 1.7 times higher than that of all 50 states that same year, which is the last year for which data is available.
Even though Puerto Rico requires a license for firearm possession, there are high rates of gun trafficking from the US.
The states that source the most firearms trafficked into the island are Florida, Georgia, and Texas, all of which have weak gun laws, according to information provided by local authorities.
Florida is also suffering from a gun violence crisis. Eight Floridians die every day because of firearm violence, according to data from Giffords Law Center
The Sunshine State has also witnessed some of the most terrifying massacres in schools and crowded places, such as the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, where 49 people were killed in 2016. Nonetheless, some Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Anthony Sabatini (District 32), have sponsored measures to further ease gun restrictions, including removing the requirement to have a permit to carry a concealed firearm.
Stay safe, Puerto Rico: The governor issues a state of emergency due to heavy rains, flooding
The executive order also authorizes the activation of the National Guard to assist in relief efforts. The Guard will be tasked with providing...
Jennifer López and Bad Bunny steal the spotlight at Met Gala 2024
The artists were co-chairs of the event, alongside Zendaya and Chris Hemsworth. Rauw Alejandro also attended. Puerto Rican artists Jennifer López...
Trump and the MAGA movement have spent years preparing to contest the 2024 election results
Donald Trump’s plan to challenge a 2024 election loss involves relying on the far-right justices on the Supreme Court all the way down to MAGA...
Líderes comunitarios les urgen a los latinos de Florida votar en las elecciones tras comentarios racistas en mitin de Trump
Tanto Marcos Vilar como otros líderes comunitarios y organizaciones como Alianza hacen énfasis en la importancia de que los latinos se movilicen a...