Pompous Mayor of Jackson Forced to Withdraw Open Carry Ban, Promises to Avoid Similar Prohibitions
The city of Jackson cannot violate the right to open carry in the middle of a health crisis according to a new ruling by a federal judge. U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III said city officials could not issue a ban on open carry because it goes against the state's firearm laws. The State Attorney General Lynn Fitch had called the ban unconstitutional, while demonstrators flocked to the state capitol to protest the ban.
The pompous mayor of Jackson, Chokwe Antar Lumumba, claimed he had the authority to ban firearms in the middle of the crisis to protect the lives of Jackson's resident. Lumumba said Gov. Tate Reeve's emergency orders were the minimum standard and cities in Mississippi could adopt stricter measures.
The mayor was seeking a permanent ban of open carry in the city. He claimed gun ownership was interfering with law enforcement duty. The city's police chief, James Davis, said open carry prevented his officers from interrogating criminals with illegal firearms.
"The city of Jackson faces a significant challenge with illegal guns. The open carry law interferes with law enforcement's ability to take illegal guns off of the streets," Lumumba said.
Mississippi's gun laws allow open carry for any resident at least 18 years old. However, the open carry imposes various requirements such as the firearm must be carried in a holster or a scabbard and must be partially visible. Firearm owners can carry anywhere within the state except in areas explicitly prohibited.
The lawsuit was filed by Mississippi Justice Institute on behalf of Rep. Dana Criswell (R-Olive Branch). Rep Criswell said he was impressed that the ban will never be imposed again and Mississippians will be able to defend themselves at all times.
The pro-gun rights group and the City of Jackson reached an agreement and signed a consent decree ending the case. City officials promised to avoid imposing a similar ban unless the state's laws changed to allow it. The chest-thumping mayor realized the case was a dead end, and he could not succeed in violating the rights of Americans.
Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is pushing universal background checks in our state, and if left unchecked, it will not be long until we see bills like this getting traction in Austin. Texas is embarrassingly ranked 29th for gun rights, and with the help of the political elites in Austin, we will surely rank among New York, California, and Illinois if left to their own devices. Please join our fight today, and help us restore Texas' place as the standard for the U.S.
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