Earlier this week, Broomfield City Council advanced a gun control package to impose on law-abiding citizens. The second reading will be held in January. In truth, none of the slew of regulations will stop criminals from stealing firearms, getting them on the black market, or getting them from straw purchasers. According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), 75 percent of criminals in state and federal state prisons who had possessed a firearm during their offense acquired the firearm through theft, “Off the street/underground market,” or “from a family member or friend, or as a gift.” Less than one percent got firearms from dealers or non-dealers at gun shows.
Some of the most egregious proposed anti-gun ordinances:
- Require a ten-day waiting period and proof of training/experience prior to the sale of firearms
- Raise the minimum age of 21 years to purchase a firearm
- Regulate the possession of “ghost guns” criminalizing custom gun makers
- Prohibit the open carry of firearms in public places located in Broomfield
- Ban the sale and possession of rapid-fire trigger activators
- Ban concealed carry of firearms in City Council of Broomfield-owned and operated places
Last year, Colorado became one of the few states in which the state legislature does not have the sole authority to regulate firearms, which has enabled Colorado’s counties and municipalities to pass a patchwork of confusing and conflicting local laws throughout the state. Broomfield City Council’s gun control package is based on the premise that criminals obey the law. This does nothing to help public safety. Instead, it is a dangerous proposal and places an undue constitutional burden on a person’s ability to defend themselves, their loved ones, and their homes.
Broomfield City Council decided to exclude the ordinances banning “assault weapons” and “large capacity” magazines because neighboring cities are currently in pending lawsuits on 2nd Amendment grounds. The City of Boulder, Town of Superior, City of Louisville, and Boulder County have been challenged in court. All four communities agreed not to enforce those specific laws pending the outcome of the case.
The schedule for January is not set yet. Please forward to family and friends to submit written testimony opposing [email protected] for Council's review no later than noon on the Monday prior to the meeting date to be part of the official meeting record. Stay tuned to your inbox and www.nraila.org for updates on your Second Amendment Rights.