Meehan Condemns Micozzie for Siding with Gun Lobby

LANSDOWNE—today retired Army Captain Shannon Meehan, the Democratic nominee for the 163rd State House district condemned his opponent, Representative Nick Micozzie, for not only voting in favor of HB-40, expanding the so-called “Castle Doctrine,” but also voting against allowing debate on amendments to that bill—such as A-9034—which would have closed the deadly “Florida Concealed Carry Loophole.” The “Castle Doctrine,” which relieves residents of the duty to retreat before using deadly force to protect their homes already exists in PA law, but today’s vote expanded the zone to include porches, vehicles, and lawns all the way to the corner.
 
“Nick Micozzie is at it again; standing up for the gun lobby and ignoring calls for reasonable action from every leading police group in the Commonwealth for common sense gun legislation,” said Meehan. “He stands for expanding the areas where you can shoot people if you feel threatened—no questions asked—and he’s against any debate over closing the Florida loophole to keep guns out of the hands of criminals who use Florida concealed carry permits as a back door.”
 
Gun violence is on the rise in Pennsylvania, with 1,200 people dying every year across the Commonwealth in gun incidents. The Legislature has failed to take action to address this urgent, statewide public health problem.
 
“HB-40 is a step in the wrong direction and is an affront to Pennsylvania’s law enforcement, who work tirelessly everyday to keep us safe, because it makes their job more dangerous” said Meehan. “I stand firmly against expanding the Castle Doctrine and in favor of closing the Florida loophole and as a legislator, I will work hard to enact sensible gun legislation.”
 
Former Tank Platoon Leader, Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient Captain Shannon Meehan (US Army Ret.) is the Democratic nominee for the 163rd House Seat in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Born and raised in Eastern Delaware County, he was an All-Delco, Hall of Fame wrestler at Upper Darby High School before attending Virginia Military Institute and serving in Iraq. Also among his official commendations is the Army Commendation for Valor. He currently lives in Secane, PA with his wife, Amanda Jane, and their newborn son, Brady Cole.

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