Newsom blames DeSantis’ permitless carry law, which hasn’t yet taken effect, for Hollywood shooting

Michelle Vecerina and Lydia Nusbaum contributed to this report.

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (FLV) – California Gov. Gavin Newsom slammed Gov. Ron DeSantis in response to a recent shooting in Hollywood, Florida.

Hollywood Police spokesperson Deanna Bettineschi said four children between the ages of one and 17 were shot, along with five adults between 25 and 65.

Newsom falsely argued that the permitless carry law gets rid of “background checks.”

“DeSantis signed a permit-less carry bill in April that removes requirements for: -background checks -instruction -training+oversight,” he said. “Until our leaders have the courage to stop bowing down to the NRA and enact common sense gun safety this kind of senseless violence will continue.”

While the law would not remove background checks or traditional “oversight” required for those legally acquiring a firearm in Florida, the referenced legislation, HB 543, signed in April, does not take place until this summer.

According to the bill, it takes effect July 1.

DeSantis press secretary Jeremy Redfern fired back, saying, “Hi Gavin, How does a law that doesn’t take effect until July 1st change this outcome?”

The shooting reportedly happened shortly before 7 p.m. after a fight occurred and at least one gun was pulled and shots were fired.

The permitless carry law allows people to conceal a firearm without needing a permit from the government.

Under the law, any person carrying concealed without a license must abide by current laws that forbid carrying a concealed weapon or firearm in some locations, including schools, sporting events, and detention centers.

Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy said in a statement he is “deeply saddened and angered” by the Memorial Day shooting.

He said there were “dozens” of police officers assigned to the area, which allowed for an “immediate response” that resulted in “multiple persons detained” following the incident.

The mayor urged anyone with information related to the incident to come forward and “cooperate” with authorities.

Levy said law enforcement agencies are “fully invested” in the investigation and assured the public that “no stone will be left unturned” in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

“In the wake of this event, let us remember that our community’s strength lies in its resilience and compassion. We must support one another, offer comfort to those affected, and work diligently to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future,” Levy said.

Details surrounding this story are developing.