Emerald Coast Times

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01) and U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) will introduce the National “Stand Your Ground Act of 2023” in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, respectively. These bills would codify Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law at the federal level, abolishing the duty of retreat when attacked. Rep. Gaetz’s House legislation is co-sponsored by Rep. Andy Biggs (AZ-05) and Rep. Paul Gosar (AZ-09).

“Every American has the right to defend themselves and their loved ones from an attacker. If someone tries to kill you, you should have the right to return fire and preserve your life. It’s time to reaffirm in law what exists in our Constitution and in the hearts of our fellow Americans. We must abolish the legal duty of retreat everywhere,” Congressman Gaetz said.

Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) filed the companion National “Stand Your Ground” legislation in the Senate this afternoon. 

“States like Oklahoma and Florida recognize that in some cases, the use of lethal force is justified to prevent imminent death or serious bodily harm. Every American should have the right to defend himself or herself against imminent threats to personal safety without the duty to retreat. I’m proud to introduce the Stand Your Ground Act in the Senate to codify these commonsense self-defense protections for all law-abiding Americans,” Senator Mullin said.

Full text of Rep. Gaetz’s Stand Your Ground Act of 2023 can be found HERE. Additionally, exclusive coverage of the Stand Your Ground bills by Rep. Gaetz and Senator Mullin on Fox News can be found HERE.