On Wednesday, August 30th, Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert signed an executive order banning all firearms on city property, which the order defines as “…all City managed buildings/facilities/parks/public spaces and surrounding areas such as sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots under the City’s control.” Signs prohibiting the possession of firearms will be conspicuously placed at entrances to buildings, parking lots, and prominent locations to prevent law-abiding citizens from exercising their rights at these locations. The only exceptions to this order are for law enforcement, contracted security personnel, recreational shotgun use at the Harry A. Koch Trap & Skeet facility, and those granted exemption by the Chief of Police.
This executive action was taken following a move by the city council to strike the previous city ordinances on firearms. This was done to comply with the new statewide preemption law that takes effect on Saturday, along with constitutional carry.
As with any “gun-free zone” ordinances, the implementation of this executive order is a clear assault on all law-abiding citizens who wish to take their safety into their own hands. Even if signage were conspicuously posted at every entrance to all city-operated properties, which is nigh impossible for parks with 360-degree access or for every nearby sidewalk, we know that these signs do nothing to stop criminals who do not abide by the law. Citizens who previously could take a walk on trails while legally armed will no longer be able to do so under this executive order, leaving them vulnerable to criminal elements operating with the knowledge that law-abiding citizens will now be disarmed in these areas.
The NRA encourages all members and other Second Amendment advocates to contact the Mayor’s Hotline by emailing [email protected] or calling 402-444-5555 to express your concern with the mayor’s executive order and the impact it will have on law-abiding citizens.
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