In the United States, the specter of gun violence looms large, casting a dark shadow over communities from coast to coast. With each tragic incident, the nation grapples with the profound impact of firearms on its society, reigniting debates over gun control, mental health, and the fundamental right to bear arms.
According to the Gun Violence Archive website, In 2024 alone:
And certainly, Apopka is not immune to gun violence. At the typically quiet intersection of Myrtle Street and Lake Avenue, shots rang out on March 9th.
In Washington, DC, Rep. Alexander Frost of Florida's 10th District introduced a bill to combat gun violence.
Frost, alongside Congresswoman Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI), introduced the Destroy Zombie Guns Act, legislation to close the “zombie gun” loophole that has allowed gun disposal companies to only destroy one part of a gun before reselling the remaining parts as a kit that could be used in the next act of gun violence that devastates a community.
Currently, government agencies across the country are unknowingly fueling a secondary gun market when they send retired, seized, and surrendered guns to gun disposal companies that destroy one small part of the gun and resell the rest. In most cases, purchasers are even able to avoid the most basic requirements, such as a background check.
This is the Zombie Gun Loophole. The Zombie Gun Loophole is one way that guns can end up in the hands of those responsible for gun violence.
Frost, standing alongside Members of Congress dedicated to the fight to end gun violence, introduced the legislation to end the Zombie Gun Loophole and save lives effectively.
“A ‘zombie gun’ is exactly what it sounds like – it’s a gun that should not be living, it shouldn’t be able to operate, it shouldn’t be in use, and it shouldn’t be able to harm or claim another life – but it does,” said Frost. “Closing the loophole that has allowed gun destruction companies to collect taxpayer dollars for only destroying one part of the gun and not the whole thing is undoubtedly contributing to the gun violence we are seeing in our communities today. I refuse to see another life taken or another family devastated because of gun violence. We need to destroy zombie guns now.”
“When I worked at the White House, I was often the first person to speak with a mayor after a mass shooting occurred in their community,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “The rise in gun violence has been fueled by guns flooding our streets that do not belong there. Companies are contributing to this issue by only destroying one part of the weapon and reselling the remaining gun components as a parts kit. It does not take 28 days or a mutated virus for these parts to infect our communities as a new weapon. I am proud to co-lead the Destroy Zombie Guns Act with Congressman Maxwell Frost to require the destruction of the whole gun, not just one part. We must do everything possible to end the prevalence of gun violence in our communities.”
The Destroy Zombie Guns Act has been endorsed by March for Our Lives, Everytown, and Giffords.
“The Zombie Gun Loophole is not just a technicality; it's a glaring vulnerability that is fanning the flames of the gun violence epidemic,” said Natalie Fall, Executive Director of March For Our Lives. “Far too many firearms re-enter circulation through this deceptive practice, creating a secondary gun market that leads to more guns ending up in the hands of those responsible for gun violence. March For Our Lives is pleased to support the Destroy Zombie Guns Act to close this deadly loophole. We thank our friend and partner, Representative Maxwell Frost, for highlighting this critical issue and look forward to working with him on closing this loophole.”
“Companies should not be able to profit from reselling crime guns or their parts that law enforcement slated for destruction. We thank Rep. Frost for introducing the Destroy Zombie Guns Act to improve firearm destruction practices, prevent crime guns from reappearing in our communities, and shut down the growing and unregulated black market for recycled firearm parts,” said Adzi Vokhiwa, GIFFORDS Federal Affairs Director.
The legislation has been co-sponsored by Rep. Ruiz (CA-25), Rep. Escobar (TX-16), Rep. Raskin (MD-08), Rep. Ivey (MD-04), Rep. Lieu (CA-36), Rep. Soto (FL-09), Rep. Crockett (TX-30), Rep. Norton (DC), Rep. Lee (CA-12), Rep. Casten (IL-06), Rep. Ramirez (IL-03), Rep. Davis (IL-07), Rep. Garcia (CA-42), Rep. Pingree (ME-01), Rep. McBath (GA-07), Rep. Moskowitz (FL-23), Rep. McGarvey (KY-03), Rep. Ryan (NY-18), Rep. Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Rep. Kelly (IL–02), Rep. Pocan (WI-02), Rep. Fletcher (TX).
If anyone has information that could assist in resolving this case, please contact the APD at APDCID@Apopka.net. To remain anonymous, information can be provided through Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS or by visiting crimeline.org.
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