KGUN 9News

Actions

City to discuss further restrictions at Tucson gun shows

Posted at 6:54 PM, Jun 24, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-24 21:58:25-04

TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - The city could adopt more restrictions for what is sold at gun shows in Tucson and on Tucson properties.

Councilman Steve Kozachik and Karen Uhlich put the topic on the next study session with mayor and council on July 6.

The memo says the reason is "to expand that policy to include the prohibition of the sale of any weapon, .22 gauge or larger, that is capable of firing 10 or more rounds without reloading, and the sale of any clip or magazine that is capable of holding 10 or more rounds of ammunition."

"We're sending a message to congress and the state where they haven't had the guts to. Very simply these kinds of weapons are inappropriate for civilian use," said Kozachik.

The guns they are talking about banning would make up a majority of those sold at a gun show.

"Quite frankly Keaton, who in the hell needs a weapon that is capable of firing dozens and dozens of rounds in a minute," said the councilman.

Should this pass mayor and council, it would not have much effect on gun shows in Tucson. The ban would only apply to shows at the Tucson Convention Center. Since 2013 when the city began requiring background checks for gun shows at TCC, there have been none.

"The city council might as well try to regulate spacecraft landing on city hall," said Todd Rathner, a NRA director.

Rathner says the ban would mean nothing for gun owners or gun show promoters.

"There's no reason to hold gun shows there there are a number of different venues in the city that can handle gun shows," said Rathner.

Instead of TCC, promoters have held gun shows at the Pima County Fairgrounds, Tucson Expo, or private venues in the city.

Kozachik says the ban is a sort of symbol, especially after mass shootings like Orlando. Should this pass mayor and council, he says a gun show wanting to come back to TCC would need to abide by the new rule.