A Boulder Judge Recently Lifted A Ban On Assault Weapons

In a recent ruling, a judge in Boulder has overturned a ban on assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines. The ban was originally instituted in 2018 in response to the tragic school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Just days before the judge’s decision, a shooting at a Boulder grocery store resulted in the deaths of ten individuals, marking the second mass shooting in less than a week.

Judge’s Ruling

On March 12, Boulder County District Judge Andrew Hartman determined that a 2003 Colorado state law prohibits cities and counties from enforcing regulations on firearms that are otherwise permitted under federal and state laws. He emphasized the need for statewide consistency in regulating assault weapons, cautioning that Boulder’s law could prompt similar bans in other Colorado municipalities.

City’s Argument

The city of Boulder argued that its local constitution allowed for the enactment of the ban due to local concerns, claiming that a prohibition on assault-style weapons was vital since the state does not impose such restrictions. Dawn Reinfeld, co-founder of the gun violence prevention organization Blue Rising, 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 the Area

Since the Columbine shooting in 1999, North Central Colorado, which includes Boulder, has experienced nine school shootings. The 2012 Aurora theater shooting also claimed 12 lives. These horrific events, along with the Parkland tragedy, motivated Boulder officials to implement measures intended to avert further mass shootings. The 2018 ban specifically prohibited the possession, transfer, and sale of certain semiautomatic rifles, shotguns, and large-capacity magazines, which are defined as those holding more than 10 rounds. A permit system was even set up for individuals who had previously owned such firearms.

Reactions to the Ruling

Following Hartman’s ruling, the NRA expressed support for the decision, and on March 13, city officials directed Boulder police to cease enforcement of the ban. The mass shooting in Boulder occurred on March 22.

Advocacy for Stricter Gun Laws

Colorado State Representative Tom Sullivan, who lost his son in the Aurora shooting, has advocated for stricter gun laws including background checks and limits on magazine capacity. He stated, “The assault weapons put the ‘mass’ in the ‘shootings’,” highlighting their role in escalating the scale of tragedies.

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Conclusion

In summary, a Boulder judge has lifted a ban on assault weapons that was enacted after the Parkland shooting, leading to significant community concern, especially following recent mass shootings. This ruling has sparked a debate over local versus state authority in gun regulation.