I was looking for information on gun incident reports in gun-free zones versus non-gun-free zones. Using ChatGPT, it gave me reports that were stated as being non-partisan and non-bias 3 of the 4 were given as accurate reporting. They said on the surface that there appears to be more gun-free zones had fewer gun incidences and then added that this is more Caveat, and it appears there are fewer gun incidents in gun-free zones
Also, this research is coming from states that are Democratic. The 4th research totally disagreed with them and was blasted the 4th report altogether.
So I adventurally go down to the nitty gritty and told ChatGPT to give me reported gun violence and whether these were in gun-free zones or non-gun-free zones, and instead it gave me the reports again. I then told it from news media accounts, then it started giving me at first 26 incidents and most were in gun-free zones. But then stated these were only high-profile incidents, so that was not a good sampling to be able to agree that there is more shooting in gun-free zones.
So I said give me 26 random incidences it did and all of them were in gun-free zones.
I then told it using both hight profile and random incidences and give me the average presentages in a chart
And then it recanted it claims
Here is my ChatGPT screens from beginning to the end (pdf). I also did this on Perplexity AI and ended up with the same results. I then sent a message to Donald Trump about his support for this AI, and it was very left-leaning with its results and told him that This AI was not non-partisan or non- bias.
Final Statement
We need to send a message to the President and Congress to shut down Gun-Free Zones and Make America Safe Again for our families, neighbors, states, and country.
We have another example of how Gun Control and Gun Free Zones do not protect people with the Mall of America shooting. Here is what we know so far:
The Mall of America under Minnesota state law is a gun free zone. The Mall of America posts these signs:
At least 6 gang members were carrying firearms despite the law and involved in shooting and killing a 19-year old. 5 have been arrested so far. 2 are 18 years old and 3 are 17 years old. Minnesota does not issue CCW permits to anybody under 21, so they were carrying illegally. It was illegal for them to carry in the Mall. One of them is believed to be the shooter who killed the 19 year old. It is possible another of them also fired a firearm, but all are suspects involved according to police.
There were 16 police officers on duty in the Mall. Despite that all of the suspects left the Mall without being arrested, and went to White Castle to eat.
Compare that the the Greenwood Mall shooting. Where state law does not give the No Weapons signs legal force, and an attempted mass shooting was stopped by a concealed carry holder.
The Greenwood Park Mall shooting occurred in the state of Indiana. Specifically, at the Greenwood Park Mall in Greenwood, Indiana, a suburb located just south of Indianapolis .(Wikipedia)
During the incident, a gunman opened fire in the mall’s food court, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to two others. The shooter was subsequently fatally shot by Elisjsha Dicken, a 22-year-old legally armed civilian who was present at the scene .(Axios, Wikipedia)
The swift intervention by Dicken was widely recognized and praised by local and state officials for preventing further casualties .
My Thoughts
“These incidents make one thing clear: gun-free zones and restrictive carry laws may disarm the law-abiding, but they do little to stop those with criminal intent. Real safety comes not from signs and statutes alone, but from empowering responsible citizens to protect themselves and others when seconds count.”
In areas where civilians were legally permitted to carry firearms, the intervention rate by armed citizens was even higher. The CPRC found that in such locations, armed civilians stopped 51.5% of active shooter incidents, compared to 44.6% stopped by police.
I wanted to bring to your attention Wyoming’s recent move to eliminate gun-free zones statewide—a bold step in restoring Second Amendment rights and ensuring the safety of law-abiding citizens.
Gun-free zones have consistently proven to be ineffective deterrents to crime, often leaving law-abiding citizens vulnerable while criminals ignore these restrictions. Wyoming’s decision to crush gun-free zones recognizes the fundamental right of self-defense and empowers individuals to protect themselves and others.
I strongly believe we should take similar action in Florida and push for legislation that removes these ineffective and dangerous restrictions. Protecting our constitutional rights and ensuring the safety of our communities should be a priority. I urge you to consider advocating for something like this measure and working toward making our entire state a no gun-free zone state.
Now, I do not agree with everything in the bill, but it may help us in Florida to make us a no-gun-free zone state as well.
“Your voice matters! Reach out to your representatives and stand for a safer future—let them know where you stand on the idea of a no-gun-free zone state.”
An act relating to storage of firearms in motor 3 vehicles or vessels; creating s. 790.176, F.S.; 4 providing definitions; providing requirements for 5 storage of firearms and ammunition in motor vehicles 6 or vessels; providing criminal penalties; providing an effective date.
Where might these individuals be seeking firearms? My initial guess would be areas displaying signs such as:
Signs for “Gun-Free Zones” often include variations of the following wording:
“Gun-Free Zone”
“No Firearms Allowed”
“Weapons Are Prohibited on These Premises”
“No Guns Allowed Beyond This Point”
“The Possession of Firearms or Weapons Is Prohibited”
“Pursuant to [State Code/Ordinance], Firearms Are Not Allowed Here”
These signs may also include:
A red circle with a diagonal slash over a gun icon.
Specific legal references (e.g., a state law or local ordinance).
Language clarifying exceptions (e.g., “Law Enforcement Personnel Exempt”).
When these signs are displayed, they signal to criminals that they face no immediate danger at this location. Additionally, they create an environment where many firearms must be stored in vehicles, providing criminals with an easy opportunity to steal weapons and act without resistance.
How many firearms are in Florida?
Registered Firearms: As of 2021, Florida had 518,725 registered firearms, ranking second in the nation behind Texas. statista.com
Household Gun Ownership: Approximately 35.3% of adults in Florida reside in homes with guns.
How many CCW licenses are there in Florida?
As of December 31, 2024, Florida has issued approximately 2.64 million concealed weapon or firearm licenses. [fdacs.gov]
This figure includes both resident and non-resident permits. Notably, Florida was the first state to surpass 2 million concealed carry permits. (usconcealedcarry.com)
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of women obtaining concealed weapons licenses in Florida. As of February 28, 2023, one-third of the license holders are women. (wusf.org)
It’s important to note that Florida enacted a permitless carry law in 2023, allowing legal residents to carry concealed firearms without a permit. Despite this, many residents continue to obtain permits, often to carry in other states with reciprocity agreements. (foxnews.com)
Comparing Crime Rates: CCW Permit Holders vs. Non-Permit Holders
Crime Rates of CCW Permit Holders
Lower Crime Rates:
Crime Prevention Research Center (CPRC):
CCW permit holders are among the most law-abiding citizens in the U.S.
In 2016, CCW permit holders were reportedly responsible for about 0.007% of all murders nationwide.
In states like Florida and Texas, permit holders are found to commit crimes (including violent crimes) at significantly lower rates than the general population. For example:
Florida: Revocation rates for CCW permits due to crimes hover around 0.01%-0.02% annually.
Texas: Conviction rates for CCW permit holders are about 12 times lower than those of the general population.
Crime Rates of Non-Permit Holders
Higher Involvement in Crime:
The majority of violent crimes, including firearm-related homicides, are committed by individuals who are not licensed to carry.
Studies have shown that individuals without permits are more likely to obtain firearms illegally and commit crimes at much higher rates.
In my opinion, we should take the following actions:
Remove gun-free zone signage: These signs effectively create open arenas for criminals, signaling where firearms are likely to be present and leaving law-abiding citizens defenseless.
Reduce restrictions for CCW permit holders: Individuals who have been vetted and issued a concealed carry license should face minimal restrictions on where they can carry their firearms. By allowing them to keep their firearms on their person rather than storing them in vehicles or vessels, we could drastically reduce the number of firearms stolen from these locations.
Criminals, by definition, do not abide by our state laws. Restrictive policies do not stop them but instead hinder law-abiding citizens’ constitutional right to bear arms and their ability to protect themselves.
Let’s stand together to protect our freedoms!
Florida Governor’s Office Contact Information:
Phone: (850) 488-7146 to find your Florida representative
Contact Me: About anything, comments on articles, questions you may have, etc.
The 2025 Wyoming House Bill HB0172 is currently progressing toward approval, and if it passes, it has the potential to spark a ripple effect across the nation.
While there are certain aspects of the bill that I believe could be improved or adjusted, its overall objective is a step in the right direction. The bill aims to reduce restrictions on law-abiding Americans with concealed carry permits, ensuring they are not unfairly limited by the numerous locations currently designated as gun-free zones.
I strongly encourage everyone to reach out to their state government representatives and advocate for similar legislation in our own states. By doing so, we can work toward creating policies that respect the rights of responsible gun owners while promoting public safety.
I would like you to review the 2025 Wyoming House Bill HB0172, which seeks to eliminate gun-free zones, and evaluate whether we could implement something similar here in Florida. It’s worth exploring how such legislation might enhance safety and whether it aligns with the needs and values of our state.
The concept of a “Gun-Free Zone” is intended to create safe spaces where firearms are prohibited, but in practice, it can often have unintended consequences. Many argue that posting such zones can inadvertently signal vulnerability to individuals intent on causing harm. Instead of deterring violent actions, these signs may be perceived as an invitation, suggesting a lack of immediate resistance.
For example, designating schools as gun-free zones has not prevented tragic mass shootings from occurring. These areas are often targeted because the likelihood of encountering armed opposition is significantly reduced. This has raised critical questions about whether such policies genuinely enhance safety or if they create environments that unintentionally attract those with malicious intent.
To address this issue, many advocate for alternative solutions, such as implementing stronger security measures, allowing trained personnel to carry firearms, and investing in mental health resources to address the root causes of violence. The debate is complex, but one thing is clear: simply declaring an area a gun-free zone is not enough to ensure the safety of those within it. A multifaceted approach is needed to protect vulnerable spaces effectively and to prevent future tragedies.
Thank you for your consideration,
Dr. Cecil Wayne Thorn
My Thought
The only way to fully restore our firearm rights is to ensure that our state government representatives understand where we stand. We must demand the removal of unnecessary restrictions and advocate for the complete restoration of our Second Amendment rights. It’s time to take a firm stand and remind our leaders that these rights are fundamental to our freedom and security.
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