Current:Home > ScamsRestriction on carrying guns in Omaha and Lincoln violate Nebraska law, lawsuits say-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Restriction on carrying guns in Omaha and Lincoln violate Nebraska law, lawsuits say
View Date:2024-12-23 20:06:35
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska’s two largest cities are violating a new state gun law by prohibiting them from public places such as parks, according to two recent lawsuits.
The Liberty Justice Center filed lawsuits Dec. 18 challenging executive orders issued by the mayors of Omaha and Lincoln. The lawsuits allege that the orders are in violation of a new state gun law. The suits were filed on behalf of the Nebraska Firearms Owners Association.
State lawmakers in April passed a bill allowing people to carry concealed guns across the state without a permit and without the need to complete a gun safety course. It also said that it overrides stricter local laws, like those in Omaha and Lincoln.
The lawsuits state that despite the new law, Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert and Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird issued executive orders banning all firearms from city property, including parks and sidewalks. The suits said the Omaha City Council also banned “ghost gun” parts and manufacturing, and the Lincoln City Council has not repealed ordinances regulating weapons.
Jacob Huebert, president of the Liberty Justice Center, said the state law is direct: Local governments can’t regulate firearms.
“The mayors of Omaha and Lincoln have defied state law with their executive orders, and we look forward to seeing those orders and other city firearms regulations struck down,” Huebert said in a statement.
Yohance Christie, Lincoln’s city attorney, said in a statement that actions taken by the city “to protect the safety and quality of life of our residents and visitors are in compliance with the law.”
Omaha City Attorney Matt Kuhse told the Omaha World-Herald that the state law allows cities to prohibit concealed firearms “on the premises and places under its control with conspicuous notice.”
Kuhse said the city “will defend this lawsuit and defend the ability of municipalities, such as Omaha, to protect the safety and health of its citizens within the bounds of the law.”
The lawsuits were filed days after Nebraska Attorney General Michael Hilgers published an opinion stating that state law preempts executive orders from the mayors. The opinion also stated that the executive orders violate residents’ Second Amendment rights, and are in violation of the Nebraska Constitution.
veryGood! (1555)
Related
- Inside Dream Kardashian's Sporty 8th Birthday Party
- Queen Elizabeth II's Final 5-Word Diary Entry Revealed
- A herniated disc is painful, debilitating. How to get relief.
- The Best Gifts for People Who Don’t Want Anything
- California voters reject measure that would have banned forced prison labor
- Joey Graziadei Details Why Kelsey Anderson Took a Break From Social Media
- Mike Tyson impresses crowd during workout ahead of Jake Paul fight
- New Jersey will issue a drought warning after driest October ever and as wildfires rage
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Something Corporate
- Roy Haynes, Grammy-winning jazz drummer, dies at 99: Reports
Ranking
- Tampa Bay Rays' Wander Franco arrested again in Dominican Republic, according to reports
- Social media star squirrel euthanized after being taken from home tests negative for rabies
- NFL power rankings Week 11: Steelers, Eagles enjoying stealthy rises
- Denzel Washington Will Star in Black Panther 3 Before Retirement
- Shocked South Carolina woman walks into bathroom only to find python behind toilet
- Glen Powell Addresses Rumor He’ll Replace Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible Franchise
- Who will be in the top 12? Our College Football Playoff ranking projection
- Subway rider who helped restrain man in NYC chokehold death says he wanted ex-Marine to ‘let go’
Recommendation
-
Judge set to rule on whether to scrap Trump’s conviction in hush money case
-
After Baltimore mass shooting, neighborhood goes full year with no homicides
-
Patricia Heaton criticizes media, 'extremists' she says 'fear-mongered' in 2024 election
-
RHOBH's Kyle Richards Addresses PK Kemsley Cheating Rumors in the Best Way Possible
-
Hurricane-damaged Tropicana Field can be fixed for about $55M in time for 2026 season, per report
-
Jennifer Garner Details Navigating Grief 7 Months After Death of Her Dad William Garner
-
Wreck of Navy destroyer USS Edsall known as 'the dancing mouse' found 80 years after sinking
-
Ben Foster files to divorce Laura Prepon after 6 years, according to reports