Growing Backlash Over Savannah’s Controversial Gun Ordinance
SAVANNAH, GA – A simmering conflict underlies the Southern charm of Savannah, as deep divides surface over a controversial new gun ordinance. A spiraling war of words is escalating between Georgia’s top prosecutor and the City of Savannah as tensions peak over the recently imposed gun rules.
On Friday, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued a notice to the Savannah City Council declaring the new guidelines for proper gun storage in parked vehicles as invalid. In what was seen as a poignant stab at the new regulations, Carr claimed these local directives are preempted by state law which expressly prohibits cities from meddling in regulation of the possession, ownership, carriage, or transport of firearms.
New Gun Ordinance Triggers Legal Challenges
Last month, the Savannah City Council flexed its legislative muscles and passed an ordinance that requires local gun owners to secure their firearms in compartments that remain out of sight when in stationary vehicles. The City’s reaction to the Attorney General’s notice was swift. In a determined show of resistance, the City stated, “In order to address the increasing amount of unsecured firearms stolen from unlocked vehicles, the City of Savannah unanimously enacted this new ordinance… it remains in effect and will continue to be enforced.”
This statement from the City is not the only retaliation Savannah will have to deal with in the wake of the new regulations. The ordinance is also facing legal challenge within the local sphere, with a lawsuit filed by Clarence Belt, a gun carrier from Jesup, who alleges that the new rules violate state law. Belt’s legal representative, Jon Monroe, argues that compulsory local firearm rules become befuddling for travelers crossing different jurisdictions.
Savannah Stands Firm Amidst Criticism
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson repelled critics with gusto, maintaining that the new gun laws aim to curtail the worrying number of gun thefts. Pointedly, he noted that 83 percent of firearm thefts occurred in unlocked vehicles last year. In a spirited backlash during a recent Facebook live session, Mayor Johnson rebuffed the Attorney General’s communications and dared him, “sue us. We’ll go to the Supreme Court and let the United States Supreme Court say.”
In a rallying call to the citizens, Mayor Johnson affirmed that the city advocates for the exercise of Second Amendment rights. However, he was equally clear that adherence to the new ordinance will be enforced. Further comments on the issue from him are anticipated during his weekly press conference scheduled this Tuesday.
Hopes & Fears as Disagreements Simmer
As the once tranquil city of Savannah becomes the new battleground over Second Amendment rights, the city’s firm stance on the controversial gun ordinance reveals a commitment towards safety. Yet, it remains to be seen how the ongoing feud with state officials and impending legal battles will affect this aspiration.
