Richmond city council votes to ban guns at protests, other events

The city council in Richmond, Va. voted unanimously on Tuesday to pass a ban on firearms on all public property during protests and other events in a move meant to lower the risk of violent confrontations between law enforcement and demonstrators.

The new law, which was first proposed by Democratic Mayor Levar Stoney, bans carrying guns at any event – whether or not the event is formally permitted by the city. The ban on guns on public property not only includes government buildings, but also streets, sidewalks, alleys and other public rights of way.
 
“There is no excuse to brandish a deadly weapon just to prove a point,” Stoney said in a tweet on Tuesday. “If you agree, call your council member today and ask them to vote in favor of the ban on firearms at or adjacent to permitted events. This would be a big step toward a safer city.”