LAKE CITY, Fla. (WCJB) – A man who calls himself Freedom Franko has been walking through communities in North Central Florida carrying an AK-47, saying he wants to educate people on Florida’s open carry law.
Franko said his goal is to reduce the stigma around open carry and clarify where firearms can and cannot be carried legally in the state.
“Spread awareness of where you can, where you can’t carry, get rid of the stigma that if you do carry the police are out here to get you, they’re going to get you,” Franko said. “They’re going to slam you down. That’s not the case. Everybody I ran into as far as law enforcement has been very kind. We shake hands.”
Residents divided on Franko’s walks
Not everyone has welcomed his presence. Resident Kathleen Burke said she is against what Franko is doing.
“I’m disabled and you know, I’d run, I’m sorry. There’s no way. I’d have to turn around and go the other way. If I did something wrong, I’d be arrested,” Burke said.
Burke said Franko should not be walking through public areas with the rifle.
“He should be arrested. He should not be walking around with an assault rifle up in public and everything else,” she said.
Law enforcement encounters, future plans
Franko said he has been stopped by law enforcement during visits to communities including Starke and Trenton, but he cannot be arrested for carrying the AK-47.
He said public recognition has grown during his walks.
“I’m walking down the street and people are yelling out my name, Hey, Freedom Franko, we know who you are taking pictures with me and stuff. So that’s really great,” Franko said.
Franko said he plans to visit larger cities, including Tampa and Gainesville.
When asked about negative reactions online and in person, Franko said he remains focused on those who are receptive to his message.
“There’s positive comments and there’s negative comments, but you know, the internet’s like three little bears. It’s going to be too hot for some, just right for others, and too cold for some. So you just got to focus on the one that it’s just right for,” he said.
If you want to follow along on his journey, he posts on TikTok.
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