Seattle Mayor Seeks Gun Ban on City Property

The mayor of Seattle apparently is looking to ban guns on city property, reportedly to include the Seattle Center, parks, community centers, and city-run buildings. This despite Washington State's firearms preemption law.

"Our parks, our community centers and our public events are safer without guns," Nickels said at a news conference with Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske. "At many properties, including City Hall, you can bring a gun if you have a concealed-weapons permit. Under this order, people with concealed weapons will be asked to give up their weapon or leave."

The city does not have the authority to arrest or fine people for bringing a gun onto city property. Only the state can enact laws governing firearms, and the mayor acknowledged the city could face a legal challenge.

The city can, however, charge violators with trespassing.

Law-enforcement officers would be exempt.

The folks over at Random Nuclear Strikes have more information on what's going on, and are organizing pro-gun folks to turn out to oppose the Mayor's plan

Both Mr. Workman and I are pretty sure that Nickels will hold a “Town Hall” style meeting to attempt and make it look as though “the community” is behind his decision. Mr. Workman is asking for me to get a list together of folks who would be willing to show up when/if they are needed to thwart Nickels’ circus.

If you are in the Seattle area, go here and get involved!