Columbus, OH — Today, Ohio Democratic Party Chair Elizabeth Walters slammed Mike DeWine for once again caving to extremists in the legislature and special interests by signing Senate Bill 215 into law. The legislation, known as Ohio’s permitless carry bill, would allow anyone over 21 to carry a concealed weapon without a permit, ultimately avoiding a background check in the process.

The legislation has been widely opposed by groups across Ohio, including the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police, the Ohio Mayors Alliance and many others, because it would make Ohioans – especially law enforcement officers – more vulnerable to gun violence.

“By signing this bill into law, Mike DeWine has sold out Ohioans and law enforcement officers to special interest groups and extremists in the legislature. This bill will make all Ohioans less safe. Time and again, DeWine has promised to support law enforcement officers and ‘do something’ to combat gun violence in our state. Once again, he’s failed on both fronts, putting his own political interests over the safety and well-being of his constituents,” said Chair Walters.  

After a tragic mass shooting in Dayton in 2019, Mike DeWine promised Ohioans that he would ‘do something’ to address the threat of gun violence. Once again, DeWine has broken that promise, one of many he’s failed to keep as governor.