Detroit Today: Can gun-free zones exist in downtown Detroit?
State law currently prevents local governments in Michigan from enacting gun-free zones.
A gun-free zone ordinance in certain parts of downtown Detroit has been proposed by some city council members after six shootings occurred during a single weekend last month.
Council members postponed a vote Tuesday on a resolution that would urge the Michigan Legislature to repeal the Firearms and Ammunition Act 319 of 1990, which prevents local governments from establishing gun-free zones.
According to Amnesty International, 500 people die every day in the U.S. due to gun violence. The organization advocates for strict regulation of firearms and strategic violence reduction initiatives.
Councilmember Mary Waters, who proposed the gun-free zones resolution, spoke with Detroit Today host Stephen Henderson about the idea to ban guns in areas like Greektown and the Detroit Riverfront.
Listen: Detroit City Council member Mary Waters discusses gun-free zones on Detroit Today
Guest
Mary Waters is an at-large city councilmember for Detroit. Water says Detroit already has gun-free zones at many of its crowded event spaces.
“If they are saying that this infringes on their Second Amendment rights, then I need them to go have a conversation with Ford Field, Little Caesars Arena and Comerica Park,” says Waters.
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