City council urges Richmond legislators to pass gun reforms

The Manassas City Council has urged the General Assembly to support gun safety legislation including:

• Initiatives to improve enforcement of existing laws and defend against efforts to weaken them;
• “Red flag” legislation, while preserving due process, to properly allow an appropriate court to temporarily limit an individual’s access to firearms when they have deemed to be a threat to themselves or others;
• Eliminate potential background check loopholes by requiring background checks for all gun purchases through a Federal Firearms License
• Support laws to limit child access to firearms to reduce adolescent suicides and accidental adolescent shootings.

At a city council meeting on November 25, Councilman Mark Wolfe motioned for the resolution and Vice Mayor Pamela Sebesky seconded it. All members except voted yes, except Councilwoman Theresa Coates Ellis, who abstained from the vote.

The vote comes after a city council a work session on November 21, when the council members were given the Resolution to support Virginia General Assembly action to Address Gun Violence in Virginia

Wolfe had drafted the initial resolution.

On October 28, Mark Wolfe spoke to the city council and the citizens about gun violence. “I am appalled at our lack of action and, as leaders, it is our job to incite action.”

Wolfe said He said that they don’t have the power to do anything locally, but they do have the power to make their voices heard.