Controversial Pittsburgh Gun Control Legislation Advances

PITTSBURGH, PA - Exactly five months after the Tree of Life synagogue massacre, Pittsburgh City Council on Tuesday gave preliminary approval to controversial new gun control legislation.

The bills bar the use of assault-style weapons in public places, bans most uses of high-capacity magazines and armor-piercing ammunition and permit courts to authorize the temporary seizure of guns from anyone determined to be dangerous to themselves or others.

Final approval of the legislation could come next week. Second Amendment proponents already have promised litigation if the bills become law.

Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala does not believe that Pittsburgh has the authority to restrict certain types of weapons. ammunition and firearm accessories within city limits. Zappala has advised council that its legislation likely will not withstand a legal challenge.

Introduced by council member Corey O’Connor and Erika Strassburger and backed by Mayor Bill Peduto, the legislation came in the wake of the Tree of Life synagogue shooting that left 11 people died. The accused gunman, Robert Bowers, has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.