Photo by rjs 1322
Police in D.C. will once again enforce the city’s ban on carrying handguns in public after a judge issued a stay in his ruling on the issue.
“In light of [the stay], members of the Metropolitan Police Department will resume enforcing all laws related to firearm regulation and crimes,” police Chief Cathy Lanier wrote in an email to the MPD listserv, also sharing the teletype sent to officers.
Although the stay takes effect immediately, we must recognize that members of the public may not be aware that all firearms laws in the District are one again in effect. Officers are reminded to handle all matters regarding firearms with caution, while relying on their professionalism and training to support sound judgment while both serving public safety and respecting the rights of individuals.
While the ban was only overturned for a short time, Councilmember Tommy Wells’ office already prepared signs for businesses to indicate that guns are not welcome. The stay is in effect until October 22. The city has yet to decide if it will seek an appeal.
