An online petition pushing for stricter gun control in Orlando almost has enough signatures to be delivered to city leaders. The petition was started after the mass shooting on June 12 at Pulse nightclub, in which 49 people died and 53 were injured by gunman Omar Mateen. Despite the nearly 40,000 signatures, there’s not much anyone can do at the local government level when it comes to gun control. Under state law, cities and counties can’t pass gun control ordinances. “Certainly, I think something needs to change. What that is exactly, I don’t know,” said Orlando Police Chief John Mina. An Orlando man started a petition on Change.org, saying there is a need for stricter weapon regulation in the city. When the petition reaches 50,000 signatures, it will head to Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and city commissioners. But they won’t be able to do anything because state law only allows the Legislature to pass laws on firearms and ammunition. Under the law, any gun control ordinance passed by a county, city, or town municipal is automatically null and void. Lawmakers who don’t follow the law face a fine of up to $5,000. “I think it will be shown across the country that we have to stop these mass shootings somehow,” Mina said. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said in a statement, “My focus right now is on our community and helping us unite, heal and bring hope.”
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