Gun Ban On Falls Church Government Property Approved

FALLS CHURCH, VA — On Monday, Falls Church City Council voted 6-0 to implement a gun ban on its property. The ordinance will apply to possession, carrying or transportation of any firearms, ammunition or their components in the city's buildings, facilities, parks and in streets when used for public events. A statement was added to clarify that the gun ban will not apply to a sidewalk along the periphery of a public park.

The ordinance is set to take effect on Nov. 1 to allow time for posting signage. The ordinance calls for an offense to be a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a fine up to $2,500, or both.

As of July 1, localities like Falls Church have the authority to implement this type of gun ban under legislation passed by the Virginia General Assembly. City Council had advocated for this authority since 2005 in its legislative program.

A map shown in a presentation to Falls Church City Council displayed the locations where the gun ban would be in effect. These locations include: City Hall, the public library, community center, the city's property yard, Aurora House, and the city's 21 public parks. School gun-free zones are already in effect. The ban only applies to public streets when used for a public event with signage posted.

Per state legislation, signage advertising the gun ban must be posted at entrances of applicable buildings, city-owned parks, and entrances and exits to public streets being used for a public event.

The ordinance provides exceptions for military personnel acting in the course of their duties, sworn and retired law enforcement officers, private security personnel hired by the city, historical re-enactors and others using an unloaded, inoperative gun, unloaded guns secured in a locked vehicle using the streets or parked on public property, Reserve Officer Training Corps programs, NCAA rifle teams, trap and skeet clubs, and other school of higher education courses, classes, clubs or activities.

The ordinance is modeled after one passed by Alexandria City Council in June, aimed at aligning with the authority granted by the state legislation. Similar ordinances will be considered in Arlington and Fairfax counties in the coming months.

Because the public cannot comment live through the city's virtual meeting format, public comments were read aloud during the meeting. Many of the comments came from residents opposed to the gun ban, some of which identified themselves as Falls Church City residents.

Before the vote, Council Member Letty Hardi said she read 676 emails, hundreds of signatures on petitions, and letters from business owners on both sides, city commissions, employees and groups. She also put together a tally of residents coming from Falls Church City, which doesn't include comments received during the meeting. According to her estimation, 30 percent of comments came from Falls Church City residents, and there was a 3-to-1 margin of support for the ordinance from city residents.