MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Street violence has claimed the lives of a dozen children in Miami-Dade County this year, and local leaders are calling for changes to be made.
Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho voiced his gripes over the growing crime problem on social media.
He called gunmen cowards and mourned the young lives lost in his school district.
Five teenagers were shot just last weekend. Two were killed.
"This is extremely disturbing," Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jean Monestime said. "It means definitely that we need stricter gun laws, not to loosen the laws so that people can have more access to guns."
Several open-carry proposals have inched forward which would allow guns on college campuses.
Gov. Rick Scott would have to decide to sign or veto the pending bills.
"Hopefully, as the community rise in voice, people will listen and make a decision to keep our children and family safe," Scott said.
Many feel the solution falls in the hands of lawmakers who must weigh controversial issues.
"I believe in the Second Amendment," Scott said. "I believe in safety. It's important we have safe learning environments. Universities and high schools have to be safe, and I want to do what I can to make them safe."
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