Mayor Adrian Fenty has had a pretty easy run so far. Spare a recent brush-up over some lifted school reform plans, Fenty’s first five months in office have proven that he’s dedicated, energetic and well-liked. But the recent ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District Circuit deeming the city’s restrictive gun laws unconstitutional has dumped a load of pressure and expectations on Fenty — both locally and nationally.

As the Post reported this morning, Fenty’s options aren’t as easy as one would think. On the one hand, he could appeal the case to the U.S. Supreme Court, setting up the first battle royale over the Second Amendment since 1939. On the other, he could let the Court of Appeals decision stand and start loosening up the city’s gun laws. If he appeals, he stands to lose, and lose big. After all, a loss could allow the Supreme Court to knock down certain gun regulations nationwide, and no big-city mayor is happy with that prospect. Should he not appeal, he could face complaints locally, especially from communities that have been affected by gun violence and don’t see more guns as a solution.

And as of May 8, when the full Court of Appeals declined to rehear the case, Fenty has 90 days to make a decision.