Charleston Targets Gun Group Over New Firearms Law

  The city of Charleston is targeting a gun rights group to get court clarification on allowing firearms in some city recreational facilities.

The city amended its motion Monday by naming the state Citizens Defense League as a defendant.

Attorney General Patrick Morrisey wanted Charleston’s initial request in Kanawha County Circuit Court dismissed, saying it sued no one.

Last year, the league sued the city over gun ordinances. It adjusted the lawsuit after a new law passed this year.

The law allows concealed carry permit owners bring guns to city rec facilities, like swimming pools and after-school centers. Guns must be out of people’s sight and access.

The city argues bringing guns to school grounds or school event locations is a felony, so some city venues should be shielded.

Charleston's Big Question: Gun Laws or Home Rule?

A gun rights group has gone to court in an attempt to stop enforcement of Charleston’s gun ordinances.
 
     The West Virginia Citizens Defense League asked Kanawha Circuit Court on Tuesday to issue an injunction against the ordinances.
 

The group says Charleston isn’t complying with a new state law that removed the authority to regulate guns from cities participating in West Virginia’s home rule program.
 
     Charleston officials haven’t decided whether to opt out of the program or modify the city’s gun ordinances.
 
     The ordinances limit handgun purchases and prohibit handguns and other deadly weapons on public property.
 
     City Attorney Paul Ellis says the city will review the complaint and respond in court.

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