Trump DOJ Challenges Denver Over Longstanding Assault Weapons Ban

By Deborah Grigsby | The Gazette

Denver officials have rejected a U.S. Department of Justice demand that they repeal the city’s longstanding ban on assault weapons.

“Our answer is hell no,” Mayor Mike Johnston told members of the press along with public safety leaders gathered at City Hall on Monday. “No, we will not roll back a common-sense policy that has kept weapons of war off of these city streets for 37 years. No, we will not put first responders at greater risk every time they respond to a dangerous incident. No, we will not go back to a time when folks are worried about walking into movie theaters, grocery stores, or public elementary schools.”

“Our answer is hell no,” Johnston told members of the press.

The demand, which arrived in the form of a letter from the DOJ, threatens a lawsuit if Denver does not comply.

“The complaint,” the letter states, “will allege that the City’s ban on AR-15-style firearms violates its citizens’ Second Amendment rights by banning constitutionally protected arms.”

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