A district court judge in Boulder has recently ruled against the city’s ban on assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines. This ban was initially implemented in 2018 following the tragic school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Just days before the ruling, a gunman attacked a grocery store in Boulder, resulting in the deaths of ten individuals, marking the second mass shooting in less than a week.
Judge’s Ruling
On March 12, Judge Andrew Hartman determined that a 2003 Colorado state law prevents cities and counties from imposing restrictions on firearms that are legal under both federal and state law. In his decision, Hartman noted that the need for uniformity across the state supports the state’s authority to regulate assault weapons. He cautioned that Boulder’s ordinance might inspire other cities in Colorado to enact similar bans.
City Officials’ Response
City officials argued that the state constitution permits local governance to address such concerns, asserting that regulating assault-style weapons was vital due to the lack of state regulation. Dawn Reinfeld, co-founder of a Colorado gun violence prevention organization, expressed her dismay at the timing of the court’s decision, 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 and its surrounding regions have a history of gun violence, with nine school shootings since the Columbine tragedy in 1999 and a previous mass shooting at a movie theater in Aurora. These events prompted Boulder officials to take proactive measures to mitigate future tragedies.
The 2018 Ban
The 2018 ban prohibited the possession, transfer, and sale of various shotguns, certain handguns, and semi-automatic rifles equipped with specific features, as well as large-capacity magazines defined as those holding more than ten rounds. A permit system was introduced for individuals who previously owned any of these firearms.
Aftermath of the Ruling
Following Hartman’s ruling, the National Rifle Association (NRA) quickly supported the decision. On March 13, the city instructed Boulder police to cease enforcement of the ban. The grocery store shooting occurred on March 22.
Advocacy for Stricter Regulations
Colorado State Representative Tom Sullivan, who was motivated to enter politics after the loss of his son in the Aurora shooting, has campaigned for stricter background checks and magazine limits. He remarked, “The assault weapons put the ‘mass’ in the ‘shootings,’” emphasizing their role in the high casualty numbers seen in such tragedies.
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Conclusion
In summary, a Boulder judge has overturned a local ban on assault weapons, citing state law that prevents cities from imposing such restrictions. This ruling comes amid renewed concerns over gun violence in the area, following a recent mass shooting. Advocacy groups are expressing their discontent with the decision, highlighting the ongoing struggle for gun regulation in Colorado.