Ordinance 2022-1831 - Laserfiche WebLink

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WHEREAS, researchers have found that firearm purchasers with criminal histories are more likely to buy assault weapons, and that probability was even higher if purchasers have more serious criminal histories. These weapons are regularly used in violent crime beyond mass shootings, including violence against police officers; and WHEREAS, assault weapons are inappropriate for civilian use due to their unique features that allow shooters to rapidly fire a large number of rounds —more than is ever needed for lawful self -defense —while maintaining control of the firearm in order to accurately target and kill more victims. Specific features that allow an assault weapon to perform this way are: Detachable magazine: Firearms that can accept detachable magazines allow a shooter to attach magazines of any size available for the firearm and quickly reload the weapon with pre -filled magazines. In some cases, magazines can hold as many as 100 rounds, but even smaller detachable magazines can greatly increase firepower. Pistol grip: To counteract the movement that occurs during rapid fire, assault weapons are typically equipped with features that allow the shooter to steady the weapon. A pistol grip, not typically found on a sporting rifle or shotgun (which would be fired from the shoulder), allows the shooter to control the firearm more accurately —and lethally —by maneuvering the weapon or shooting from the hip during rapid fire; Thumbhole stock: As with a pistol grip, a thumbhole stock allows the shooter to control the firearm during rapid fire; Folding or telescoping stock: A folding or telescoping stock folds or collapses to make the weapon easier to conceal and transport; Flash Suppressor: A flash suppressor enables a shooter to mask their location by reducing the visible signature of the firearm when it fires; and Barrel shroud: As with a pistol grip and thumbhole stock, a barrel shroud allows the shooter to steady the firearm during rapid fire. The shroud encircles the barrel of the firearm and allows the shooter to hold it without getting burned; and WHEREAS, in addition to military -style assault rifles, gun manufacturers have also begun marketing AK -style and AR -style pistols with the same features that enable a shooter to continue shooting the weapon numerous times without losing control over it. These pistols are also designed to fire rifle rounds capable of penetrating body armor, but which are concealable like handguns; and WHEREAS, AK -style and AR -style pistols pose a similar if not identical threat to public safety as do short -barreled rifles, because of their short length and ability to fire rifle rounds that can penetrate ballistic resistant vests worn by patrol officers. Because their lethality is on par with highly restricted short -barreled rifles, yet they have almost entirely evaded regulation, armor -piercing, concealable firearms have been used in murders across the country, including at the 2021 King Soopers shooting and at the 2019 mass shooting in Dayton, Ohio; and Ordinance No. 1831 Series 2022 Page 2 of 12