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Freedom for a Jacksonville woman facing 60 years for firing a shot in the direction of her now ex husband has become a national cause. Thousands have signed an online petition seeking the woman’s release.

Marissa Alexander spent two years of a 20 year sentence behind bars for firing a shot in the direction of her ex husband. Alexander is on house arrest after being given a new trial. Prosecutor Angela Cory is now seeking a sixty year sentence. That’s sparked national outrage.

“She has consistently and persistently overcharged and under-prosecuted the killers of black and brown bodies in the state of Florida,” said Edward James of the Black Youth Project 100.

The group brought a hundred thousand online petitions to the Governor’s office. The petitions seek Alexander’s release and the firing of Cory.

“Nobody was hurt,” said Melissa Bryne of Ultra Violet. “Aside from her, when she was abused by her husband and now you want to take away 60 years of her life.”

One petition says “Let this woman go…she has suffered enough.” Another asks, “How can a man go free for murdering a boy…And a woman face 60 years in jail for injuring no one?”

The Governor’s office accepted the petitions and the flowers.

It’s been two weeks since lawmakers passed the bill that basically legalizes the firing of warning shots. It has yet to make it to the Governor for his signature.

Aimee Castenell from Color of Change says the new legislation is good…but: “This is a larger issue of judging the systemic violence against black and brown people in the state of Florida,” she said.

The legislation also encourages anyone convicted of firing a shot and sent to prison to seek executive clemency from the Governor.

The legislative language on clemency is a strong hint lawmakers believe Clemency is appropriate for anyone who’s in jail for firing in self defense.