Indian River County Sheriff Takes Stand Against State Gun Bill Citing Local Deputy’s Injury
Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers traveled to Tallahassee this week to testify before the Florida House Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee, voicing strong opposition to a new legislative proposal that could impact how gun manufacturers are held liable for weapon malfunctions. The proposed legislation, House Bill 1551, seeks to provide additional legal shields to gun makers, potentially making it more difficult for individuals to file lawsuits when a firearm malfunctions.
For the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, this issue is not merely theoretical; it is rooted in a dangerous incident that occurred right here on the Treasure Coast. In 2023, a local deputy suffered a significant injury when his service weapon discharged without the trigger being pulled. The bullet struck the deputy in the calf, forcing him out of work for nearly a year during his recovery.
That deputy is currently pursuing a lawsuit against the manufacturer. Critics of House Bill 1551 argue that if passed, the legislation could hinder such legal actions, leaving those injured by defective equipment with fewer avenues for justice.
During the hearing, Sheriff Flowers provided compelling testimony regarding the incident, emphasizing the unpredictability and danger posed by the malfunction. He urged lawmakers to consider the real-world consequences of shielding manufacturers from liability when their products fail.
“I can’t explain it. I don’t know why it went off. I’m not an engineer, I don’t understand the inner workings of guns, but I know it went off and that bullet went into Zach’s calf and traveled down his leg. That scares the hell out of me. If I have rounds that are going down range, and we aren’t pulling the trigger that’s a massive problem for me.”
The incident prompted immediate changes within the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office. Following the injury, Sheriff Flowers ordered a department-wide replacement of their sidearms, switching from the SIG Sauer P320 to the FN 509 to ensure the safety of his deputies and the community.
As of this week, the bill’s sponsor, State Representative Wyman Duggan (R-Jacksonville), has not issued a comment regarding the Sheriff’s testimony or the specific concerns raised regarding equipment malfunctions. As the legislative session continues, local law enforcement leaders remain watchful of how this bill could affect officer safety and accountability standards across Florida.
