Gun Legislation Wins Unanimous Vote in D.C. Council

In a meeting that went well into the night, the D.C. Council unanimously voted for emergency legislation that ended the city's gun ban and put in place new regulations to restrict guns but is also meant to honor the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling against the strict ban that had been in place for 32 years.

City leaders said they are braced for legal challenges, but believe the restrictions are critical to battling the gun violence that has plagued the District for decades. That violence has raged despite the ban, but officials say restrictions are key to curtailing shootings.

The emergency legislation has drawn critics from gun rights activists who say the city must also lift its ban on semiautomatic handguns.

The emergency legislation will remain in effect for 90 days, when the council will take on more permanent regulation.

By Marcia Davis |  July 16, 2008; 7:00 AM ET  | Category:  Crime and Public Safety , D.C. Council
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