Judge Issues 90-Day Stay in DC Gun Ban Case

Just days after overturning Washington, DC’s longstanding ban on carrying handguns in public, Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr issued a 90-day stay of the implementation of his ruling, which means that DC Metro Police are still enforcing laws related to firearm regulation in the nation’s capital.

“In light of the court issuing a stay of the Palmer v. District of Columbia order, Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier today issued a notice to members of the Metropolitan Police Department rescinding two teletypes related to firearms,” a press release from DC Metro Police reads. “All laws related to firearms regulation and crimes remain in effect.”

As GunsSaveLives.net points out, an issued teletype to police officers stresses that “caution” must be exercised with the general public, as some may not be aware that DC’s gun laws pertaining to carrying in public are still being enforced.

“Although the stay takes effect immediately, we must recognize that members of the public may not be aware that all firearms laws in the District are once again in effect,” the teletype reads. “Officers are reminded to handle all matters regarding firearms with caution, while relying on their professionalism and training to support sound judgement while both serving public safety and respecting the rights of individuals.”

Scullin initially overturned DC’s gun ban on July 26, writing in his ruling that ““there is no longer any basis on which this Court can conclude that the District of Columbia’s total ban on the public carrying of ready-to-use handguns outside the home is constitutional under any level of scrutiny.”