After the tragic shooting at an Aurora, Colorado theater, gun laws in the state have come under intense scrutiny and many have called for stricter gun laws. However, Colorado gun laws are mixed, and Aurora actually had some of the strictest restrictions in the state.
What must be cleared up first is that there was a difference between the state and municipal laws and the rules set by the Century 16 movie theater where the grisly shooting took place. The theater had a ban on walking in with firearms, and also on concealed carry permit holders from bringing their guns on the premises. The theater’s rules were quite restrictive, but did not prevent the shooter from committing the crime anyway.
The Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, a law center that advocates for tighter gun restrictions, rated Colorado 27th in terms of strictness of gun laws.
Colorado does not have an assault weapons ban, magazine restrictions and does not require a permit to purchase a handgun. However, there are fairly strict laws regarding gun use at a municipal level.
Aurora’s municipal laws disallow having a concealed carry “dangerous weapon”, discharging a firearm if not an official member of law enforcement, of having a loaded firearm in a vehicle. While the shooter broke all of these laws, they also prevented law abiding citizens from shooting back and stopping him.
More @ Human Events
"Aurora’s municipal laws disallow having a concealed carry “dangerous weapon”, discharging a firearm if not an official member of law enforcement, of having a loaded firearm in a vehicle."
ReplyDeletePlease cite a reference for not allowing a loaded gun in a vehicle. Local laws may not be more stringent than State Law in Colorado. State Law treats your vehicle as your home.
Local laws may not be more stringent than State Law in Colorado.
ReplyDeleteThen if the writer is correct, Aurora citizens should sue the city. Thanks.
Colorado does not have mixed gun laws. State laws are the law.
ReplyDeleteThe link in the above article is outdated. Denver lost its case in court and now abides by State Law, as does Aurora.
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/StatePatrol-Main/CBON/1251594549010
• Firearms in a snowmobile must be unloaded and cased or inserted in a scabbard.
• A handgun is not considered concealed if it is in the possession of a person who is in a private automobile or other private means of conveyance who is carrying it for a legal use, or the handgun is in the possession of a person who is legally engaged in hunting activities within the state.
Local governments may prohibit the open carrying of a firearm in a building or specific area within the local government„s jurisdiction if they post signs at the public entrances to the building or area informing persons that open carrying is prohibited.
http://www.rmgo.org/gun-law-faqs
NYT article:
People in Colorado are allowed to carry firearms in a vehicle, loaded or unloaded, as long as the gun is intended for lawful uses like personal protection or protecting property.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/21/us/colorado-gun-laws-remain-lax-despite-changes-after-columbine.html?_r=1
Colorado and Aurora are 2A friendly. My concealed carry permit is good everywhere in the State unless signs are posted disallowing firearms.
Thanks.
ReplyDelete