Jackson can't ban the open carry of firearms, judge rules

A federal judge ruled the city of Jackson cannot overturn the state right to open carry firearms — even amid a public health outbreak such as the coronavirus pandemic.

The order, issued by U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III, means city officials are prevented from issuing any ban on open carry in the state's largest city, so long as it opposes state law.

It follows Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba's announcement of the controversial ban on April 26 when he said he had the authority under civil emergency statutes to protect the health and safety of Jackson residents. 

The Mississippi Justice Institute, a nonprofit legal center, filed the lawsuit on behalf of state Rep. Dana Criswell, R-Olive Branch. Criswell is a federal licensed firearms dealer and proponent of open carry laws in the state.