The first week of Florida’s 2025 legislative session started with an unusual gesture from Republican State Representative Meg Weinberger. Lawmakers received hand-delivered letters from Rep. Weinberger along with bullet-shaped bottle openers as gifts. While the letter expressed her excitement to work with her colleagues, the choice of gift has left some legislators and their aides perplexed, with reactions ranging from confusion to outright concern.
The letter sent to State Representatives reads:
“Rep., I am grateful to serve with you in the Florida House. Many blessings, Meg”
Receiving “Session Gifts” from fellow legislators is not an uncommon thing according to elected officials we spoke to for this piece. Members of the legislator have received jackets, umbrellas, pens and even steaks, but receiving real bullets repurposed as a bottle opener was a different.
Sources who tipped off Hy-Lo News described the gesture as “weird,” “passive-aggressive,” “subtle threat”, and “inappropriate.” Word also got back to Hy-Lo News that some thought the gesture “was no big deal.” The controversy deepened when one anonymous source alleged that Black Democratic lawmakers received larger bullet-themed openers compared to their non-Black colleagues.
Hy-Lo News reached out to Rep. Weinberger for comment, asking about the intent behind the gift and the message she sought to convey. We also inquired whether taxpayer dollars were used to fund the items. As of publication, we have not received a response.
The incident has sparked conversations about the symbolism of such a gift in a politically charged climate, particularly in a state where gun rights and racial tensions frequently dominate legislative debates.
The image obtained by Hy-Lo News shows the letter Rep. Weinberger sent to her fellow lawmakers, along with the bullet-shaped bottle opener. The opener appears to be a repurposed 20x102mm Vulcan shell casing, as indicated by the certificate of authenticity included in the package. The item was manufactured by Lucky Shot USA, a company that specializes in crafting novelty items from used military ammunition.
The certificate of authenticity sent with the bullet bottle opener states:
“Lucky Shot
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY
20 X 102MM VULCAN SHELL CASING
This aluminum shell casing is authentic. Fired by and procured from the U.S. military.
DOUG INGALLS, PRESIDENT
LUCKYSHOTUSA.COM”
What do you think about Rep. Weinberger’s gift? Was it a harmless token or something more? Drop your thoughts in the comments. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
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