Lawsuit To Challenge Pittsburgh's Controversial Gun Legislation

PITTSBURGH, PA - The National Rifle Association on Tuesday announced it is helping Pittsburgh residents file a lawsuit against the city challenging controversial gun laws enacted just hours earlier. Specifically, the NRA said the litigation will challenges the city's ban on loaded magazines that accept more than 10 rounds of ammunition.

The NRA initially said the lawsuit had been filed, but that cannot occur until Mayor Bill Peduto signs the legislation.

“Pittsburgh residents have a right to carry the self-defense tool that best suits their needs and the NRA is proud to support this challenge to the city’s magazine ban,” Chris W. Cox, executive director, National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action, in a statement. “Restricting law-abiding citizens from exercising their constitutional rights will do nothing to stop
violent criminals.”

City council also gave final approval Tuesday to laws banning the use of assault-style weapons in public places and permitting courts to authorize the temporary seizure of guns from anyone determined to be dangerous to themselves or others.

Second Amendment proponents had promised litigation if the measures became 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 Peduto, the legislation came in the wake of the Tree of Life synagogue shooting in October that left 11 people dead. The accused gunman, Robert Bowers, has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.