Gun Violence Prevention

Philadelphia judge blocks mayor’s ban on guns at Parks and Rec facilities

Philadelphia Judge issues “permanent injunction” blocking recent executive action banning guns at City Parks and Rec facilities and grounds.

Sam Searles
Sammy Caiola

October 3, 2022

On Saturday, Sept. 10, at Mill Creek Recreation Center, neighbors and loved ones paid tribute to Tiffany Fletcher, a mother of three who was killed by a stray bullet Friday afternoon in front of the center. (Emily Rizzo/WHYY)

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Less than a week after an executive order banning guns at recreation centers was signed, a Philadelphia judge has issued a permanent injunction against it.

The executive action from Mayor Jim Kenney was initially made in response to the shooting death of Tiffany Fletcher, a recreation center employee.

The case was brought to court by Gun Owners of America, a group that has made similar arguments in years past. In a statement of intent to sue from September 28th, Andrew Austin the attorney for GOA, wrote: “Pennsylvania law is clear here: Philly is not allowed to make gun regulations. Every appellate court in Pennsylvania has made this clear multiple times.”

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Philadelphia has seen similar cases over the years. In February, a Philly ordinance that required gun owners to inform police when a firearm was stolen or lost was ruled illegal. In March, Pennsylvania Democrats tried to ban the owning, selling or making of high-capacity, semi-automatic firearms, but were defeated in a 111-87 vote. And in June, the City lost a case at Commonwealth Court Pennsylvania’s preemption law that stops municipalities from creating gun control with bigger restrictions and/or penalties than what the state of Pennsylvania enforces.

According to a release from the Gun Owners of America, the City of Philadelphia is expected to appeal the order.

If you or someone you know has been affected by gun violence in Philadelphia, you can find grief support and resources online.

Sam Searles is a Report for America corps member covering gun violence and prevention for WHYY News.

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