'We've Taken All This Very Very Seriously': DeSantis Highlights Efforts To Prevent School Shootings

 

Ron DeSantis

'We've Taken All This Very, Very Seriously': DeSantis Highlights Efforts to Prevent School Shootings

September 2024 – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) addressed concerns about school safety following the recent shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, and ongoing threats in Florida school districts. During a public appearance, DeSantis was asked about the state's response to these incidents and the possibility of implementing stricter penalties for students who make threats.

DeSantis reaffirmed his administration's commitment to school safety, citing the extensive measures that have been implemented since the Parkland shooting in 2018. "We really brought that in and bolstered school security throughout the State of Florida," he said. DeSantis highlighted the importance of preventive measures like school resource officers and the guardian program, which allows properly trained faculty to carry concealed weapons.

"We've taken all this very, very seriously," DeSantis emphasized, stressing the need to deter potential attackers by ensuring schools are not seen as "soft targets." He acknowledged the concerns of Florida parents and expressed openness to further legislative actions to enhance security.

The governor also discussed behavioral threat assessment as a key strategy to identify potentially dangerous individuals before they act. Referring to the Parkland shooter, DeSantis noted, "The people in that community knew it was this guy... they kept passing the buck, no one wanted to hold him accountable." He stressed the importance of taking such threats seriously, noting that they are not a matter for "funny business."

When asked about the Georgia shooting, where a 14-year-old boy with known mental health issues obtained a rifle, DeSantis pointed to the responsibility of the boy's parent, who is now being prosecuted. "That parent is being prosecuted, and that was a negligent, derelict act," he said. He called for responsible gun ownership, emphasizing that firearm enthusiasts are often the most serious about safety.

DeSantis concluded by reaffirming his commitment to safeguarding Florida’s schools and ensuring that further steps would be taken as needed.

Top 10 FAQs

1. What steps has Florida taken to improve school safety since the Parkland shooting?

• Since the 2018 Parkland shooting, Florida has bolstered security with measures like school resource officers, the guardian program (allowing trained faculty to carry concealed weapons), and behavioral threat assessments to prevent potential incidents.

2. What is the guardian program in Florida schools?

• The guardian program allows properly trained faculty members to carry concealed weapons on school grounds. It is entirely voluntary, designed to provide an extra layer of security, especially in situations where school resource officers may not be present.

3. How is Florida addressing threats made by students?

• Florida takes student threats seriously and applies strict penalties. Governor DeSantis is open to considering even stricter penalties, as recent incidents have highlighted the need for a firm response.

4. What is behavioral threat assessment, and how does it help prevent school shootings?

• Behavioral threat assessment is a process that identifies individuals showing signs of dangerous behavior before an incident occurs. It involves assessing risks based on patterns of behavior, as seen with the Parkland shooter, to prevent potential violence.

5. How does the Florida government view the issue of "soft targets" in schools?

• The state has implemented various security measures to ensure schools are not seen as "soft targets." By making it clear that schools are well-defended, the state aims to deter potential attackers.

6. Are teachers in Florida required to carry guns under the guardian program?

• No, the guardian program is completely voluntary. No teacher is forced to carry a weapon; the program simply allows trained faculty the option to carry if they choose to.

7. What role do parents play in preventing school shootings?

• Governor DeSantis highlighted the importance of responsible gun ownership and the role of parents. In cases like the Georgia shooting, where a parent negligently allowed access to a firearm, DeSantis supports prosecuting parents who fail to prevent such access.

8. What legislative actions might Florida take to enhance school safety further?

• While Florida has already implemented significant safety measures, Governor DeSantis is open to considering additional legislative actions to address emerging threats and improve the security of schools.

9. How does Florida ensure that those with mental health issues don’t access firearms?

• DeSantis emphasized the need for responsible gun ownership and for parents to prevent access to firearms by those with mental health issues. He called for strict accountability in cases where individuals with known issues are given access to weapons.

10. How does the state of Florida work with law enforcement to prevent school shootings?

• Florida collaborates with law enforcement through programs like the school resource officer initiative and behavioral threat assessments. Law enforcement plays a key role in ensuring schools are secure and that threats are addressed quickly and seriously.