Gun Ban On Alexandria Government Property Depends On State Action

ALEXANDRIA, VA—A proposed gun ban on city buildings, parks and other property will be introduced to Alexandria City Council on July 9, but action by the state legislature would be required for the local government to enact the measure. Final action and a public hearing is scheduled for Sept. 14.

The proposed Alexandria measure would prohibit "the possession, carrying or transportation of firearms in buildings owned, leased or operated by the City; or in parks and on any other property that is owned or used by the City." It would also ban the possession, carrying or storage of guns by city employees, agents or volunteers in these city-operated workplaces.

That measure wouldn't apply to military personnel acting in their official duties, sworn law enforcement officers or private security personnel hired by the city.

This ban could only happen if the Virginia General Assembly amends a state law prohibiting localities from enacting gun control laws unless specifically authorized by the state. Under the state's Dillon Rule, localities cannot adopt laws unless they're specifically authorized.

A gun control agenda proposed by Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam on July 3 includes a law allowing localities to enact firearms ordinances that are stricter than state law. The legislative agenda was proposed ahead of the special session to address gun violence on July 9. The governor called the special session after the Virginia Beach shooting that left 12 victims dead.

Richmond City Council passed a gun ban similar to the one proposed in Alexandria. Members acknowledged the Republican-controlled General Assembly would be unlikely to give localities that authority, WTVR reported.