April 25, 2014 · Exit133

Controversy Over Gun Show at Tacoma Dome

A gun show coming to the Tacoma Dome is stirring up some controversy. The show will not require background checks, which The News Tribune reports is raising concerns for some members of the City Council.

According to the the TNT, the show is the first of its kind at the Dome in 23 years, and Mayor Strickland and some of her fellow council members may push the idea of implementing a background check requirement for any future gun shows.

Conversations about gun rights seem to devolve quickly into less than nuanced debates, so it is with some trepidation that we raise the issue. But, with stated desire from the gun show organizer to hold more such events, and statements from a divide city council, this could turn into a serious debate for Tacoma.

So, with some hesitation, we'll ask: should the City consider requiring background check for gun sales in its facitlities?

Filed under: City Government, Public Safety

1 comments

William Starks April 26, 2014

Better yet, how about the city follow the law? They might want to read RCW 9.41.290 (State Preemption). Looks like they missed that part that says "or any other element relating to firearms." and the other part "Cities, towns, and counties or other municipalities may enact only those laws and ordinances relating to firearms that are specifically authorized by state law, as in RCW 9.41.300, and are consistent with this chapter." The state of Washington hereby fully occupies and preempts the entire field of firearms regulation within the boundaries of the state, including the registration, licensing, possession, purchase, sale, acquisition, transfer, discharge, and transportation of firearms, or any other element relating to firearms or parts thereof, including ammunition and reloader components. Cities, towns, and counties or other municipalities may enact only those laws and ordinances relating to firearms that are specifically authorized by state law, as in RCW 9.41.300, and are consistent with this chapter. Such local ordinances shall have the same penalty as provided for by state law. Local laws and ordinances that are inconsistent with, more restrictive than, or exceed the requirements of state law shall not be enacted and are preempted and repealed, regardless of the nature of the code, charter, or home rule status of such city, town, county, or municipality.