New 'warning shot' law could prevent more cases like Marissa Alexander's

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Florida governor Rick Scott is expected to sign new “warning shot” legislation that recently passed the State Senate, in response to cases like Marissa Alexander‘s.

Alexander became a “Stand Your Ground” cause célèbre after she was sentenced to 20 years in prison for allegedly shooting a warning shot to scare off her abusive husband.

This new legislation seeks to grant immunity to individuals with no prior record who fire a warning shot or threaten the use of force in self defense.

“This is about self-defense,” the bill’s sponsor in the State Senate, Sen. Greg Evers (R-Baker), told the Miami Herald. “It’s one more step forward for people to protect themselves.”

The bill, which has already passed the state’s House, also enjoys the backing of the nation’s most powerful gun lobby, the NRA.

However, some Democrats have expressed dismay about the repercussions this new gun law could have.

“A Pandora’s box is being opened again,” said Sen. Arthenia Joyner, of Tampa, who voted against it. “I have great apprehension about what’s inside.”