ORLANDO, Fla. — Thousands of students nationwide walked out of class Wednesday to protest gun violence.

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The protests came on the same day leaders in Florida criticized the state’s new permitless carry law, which continues to spark controversy even after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill on Monday.

The law allows gun owners to carry concealed guns without a license, background screening or required training.

Activists cited polling that shows 60% to 70% of Florida voters are against the new law, but this move was expected as Republicans swept the state in the elections just a few months ago.

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“This will result in more violence in our state, and it will result in our communities and our children being less safe,” said Debbie Powell with Giffords Law Center.

Activists outside of Orlando City Hall Wednesday called out the reversal of gun safety measures put in place after mass shootings at the Pulse nightclub and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School – measures the Republican majority called an infringement of the second amendment.

Last week, lawmakers passed a bill allowing some teenagers to buy AR-15s, and allowing gun owners to carry to carry their weapons almost anywhere without a permit.

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The activists said they have data showing this will lead to more shootings, as well as polling and police on their side.

But state Republicans have been pressing on with their agenda without fearing pushback at the ballot box.

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“The accountability will come next November,” Powell said. “But that doesn’t mean that we’re not holding them accountable now.”

The new law goes into effect July 1.

DeSantis signs bill to carry concealed guns without a permit in Florida Floridians will be able to carry concealed guns without a permit under a bill Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Monday. (WFTV)

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