In a recent decision, a district court judge in Boulder has determined that the city cannot enforce its ban on assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines. This ban was implemented in 2018 in response to the tragic school shooting in Parkland, Florida. The ruling comes just days after a gunman opened fire in a Boulder grocery store, resulting in the deaths of 10 individuals with an assault rifle, marking the second mass shooting in under a week.
Judge’s Ruling
On March 12, Judge Andrew Hartman ruled that a Colorado state law from 2003 prohibits cities and counties from imposing restrictions on firearms that are legal under state and federal regulations. He emphasized the importance of a uniform state policy regarding the regulation of assault weapons, warning that Boulder’s law could prompt other cities to enact similar bans.
City’s Argument
The city of Boulder contended that the state constitution allowed it to implement such bans due to local concerns, arguing that the absence of state-level regulations on assault-style weapons necessitated local action. Dawn Reinfeld, co-founder of a Colorado gun violence prevention organization, expressed her dismay at the timing of the ruling, stating, “It’s so tragic to see the legislation struck down, and days later, to have our city experience exactly what we were trying to prevent.”
History of Gun Violence in Boulder
Boulder, part of North Central Colorado, has a history of gun violence, with nine school shootings occurring since the Columbine High School tragedy in 1999, which resulted in the deaths of 12 students and a teacher. The 2012 Aurora theater shooting also claimed 12 lives. These incidents, along with the Parkland shooting, prompted Boulder officials to seek measures to avert future tragedies.
The 2018 Ordinance
The 2018 ordinance specifically prohibited the possession, sale, and transfer of various shotguns, certain pistols, and semiautomatic rifles equipped with features like pistol grips and large-capacity magazines, defined as those holding more than 10 rounds. A permit system was established for individuals who already owned these firearms.
Reactions to the Ruling
Following Hartman’s ruling, the National Rifle Association (NRA) voiced its support for the decision. Just a day later, the Boulder city officials directed local police to cease enforcement of the ban. The grocery store shooting took place on March 22.
State Representative Tom Sullivan, who became an advocate for gun control after losing his son in the Aurora theater shooting, remarked, “The assault weapons put the ‘mass’ in the ‘shootings.’ That’s what gets the numbers up.”
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In summary, a Boulder judge has lifted a local ban on assault weapons, a decision that has sparked significant discussion in light of recent mass shootings. The ruling highlights the ongoing debate over gun control and state versus local authority in regulating firearms.
Keyphrase: Boulder assault weapons ban lifted
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