Manassas Park council backs drafting an ordinance to ban firearms in city-owned buildings

Vice Mayor Moore introduced a proposal during the June 24 meeting to draft an ordinance banning firearms inside city-owned public buildings, saying the move is intended to enhance safety for seniors, people with disabilities and youth. Moore cited a CDC statistic that he said identifies firearms as a leading cause of death for children and adolescents in the United States.

‘‘No one would be allowed to bring a firearm in city hall or any of the public buildings owned by the city of Manassas Park,’’ Moore said, naming city hall, the community center and the MAP clinic as examples. He asked the governing body for support to have the city manager work with the city attorney to draft enforceable language. Several council members expressed support for discussing only firearms at this stage; others urged staff to look at what neighboring jurisdictions do for penalties and possible carve-outs for museums, reenactments or city events.

Council and staff clarified exemptions that would remain in draft language: commissioned police officers and other law-enforcement personnel would remain exempt, and school resource officers were identified as commissioned police. City Attorney and staff noted the state enabling statute is cited at 15.2-915 and that the local ordinance cannot conflict with the state’s structure for permitted restrictions. Council asked staff to return with draft ordinance language and comparative penalty language used by peer jurisdictions.

The governing body indicated consensus to proceed with drafting; no ordinance vote occurred on June 24. Councilors also asked staff to research whether parking lots, vehicles, farmers-market areas and special events require separate legal analysis or additional guidance from the attorney general.