Bellingham, Wash –-(Ammoland.com)- With the rise of COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) cases across the country many cities, states, and even the federal government has been passing measures to help their citizens in their time of need. Even bitter political enemies have put aside their vast differences to do what is right for the country. Democratic Socialist Rep Ilhan Omar even praised Trump for his “incredible and the right response” to the virus outbreak.
Where some people have put aside their political differences for the good of the country, others have used the crisis of our time to push their anti-gun agenda under the smokescreen of fighting the virus. One of the hardest-hit states by the virus is Washington. Seattle is the West Coast ground zero of the COVID-19 outbreak.
An hour and a half north of Seattle is the city of Bellingham there is a proposed “emergency” ordinance to deal with the novel coronavirus. The proposal will give Democrat Mayor Kelli Linville the unprecedented authority to restrict city resident’s right to bear arms.
The proposal would allow the mayor to issue an order “requiring the discontinuance of the sale, distribution, or giving away of firearms and/or ammunition for firearms in any or all parts of the city.”
The ordinance will give the mayor the power to order gun stores to immediately shut down until she deems the crisis over. She will also be able to order stores that are not primarily a gun store to remove firearms and ammunition from their shelves. The decision of which stores that law enforcement would shut down would be the mayor’s call.
Since the once in a lifetime pandemic hit the shores of the country, gun and ammunition sales have exploded in every corner of the US. A large portion of these sales is to first-time gun owners. It appears that people are now waking up to need to take responsibility for their own safety. A lot of these new gun owners used to be in the anti-gun crowd.
The ordinance gives the mayor the authority to directly violate the Constitutional rights of the citizens of the city. She will also be able to ban the carrying of firearms within the city limits. Of course, police officers will be exempt from the ordinance.
The ordinance deems the restrictions as “necessary to protect public health and safety.”
Mayor Linville isn’t the first government official to try to use the novel coronavirus as an excuse to remove people’s right to bear arms. Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen of Champaign, Illinois has granted herself the power to ban guns.
Mayor Feinen says she always had the power to ban firearms and other things like alcohol in emergencies. She stated the ordinance is just enumerating her right to violate other people’s rights. She said it is to “protect the welfare and safety of our community if needed.”
New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell also jumped on the anti-gun bandwagon. She used the COVID-19 outbreak to issue an executive order to grant herself the power to ban the sale of guns.
The Mayors in question say these ordinances are not about banning firearms. That raises the question if they are not about banning guns and the sale of firearms, then why include those powers in the ordinances?
About John Crump
John is a NRA instructor and a constitutional activist. He is the former CEO of Veritas Firearms, LLC and is the co-host of The Patriot News Podcast which can be found at www.blogtalkradio.com/patriotnews. John has written extensively on the patriot movement including 3%’ers, Oath Keepers, and Militias. In addition to the Patriot movement, John has written about firearms, interviewed people of all walks of life, and on the Constitution. John lives in Northern Virginia with his wife and sons and is currently working on a book on leftist deplatforming methods and can be followed on Twitter at @crumpyss, on Facebook at realjohncrump, or at www.crumpy.com.
Nope. Mayors, governors, etc have no authority to ban Federal Constitutionally-protected rights. Nobody does. Just because they think and say they can doesn’t make it true, and the people have very right to simply ignore this nonsense. Besides, how hard is it to go to the next town anyway to buy guns and ammo? WTF do these imbecile mayors think they are solving, other than proving to their constituents they are nothing more than power-hungry fascist dictators?
@USA, We noticed that you “disappeared” for a while and many of your comment were deleted. We were concerned.
the piece mentioined that said mayor is considering banning the carry/possession of arms in the city as well. What this dimbulb fails to recall (his brain being too full of his own importance ANd his inordinate fear of firearms) is that his STATE government law PREEMPTS anything he can get enacted. Someone needs to remind him of this little detail, and make it VERY clear that he WILL face criminal charges if he continues on his declared path A FEDERAL lawsuit for deprivation of rights under colour of law would be one response that would do an end-run round our… Read more »
Sorry byatch, preemption law in WA state prohibits just exactly the kind of lunacy that you envision.
Idiot liberals have ruined Washington state and continue their race to the bottom.
Preemption laws only matter if they’re enforced. A governor and attorney general just ignore a law they don’t like.
Not sure who theWhatcom COunty SHeriff is, or his position on things like that pesky Second Article. MOST of our WA sheriffs have stood up against the insanit of the new Bloomburg AntiGun Laws. If he is a Good Guy, he’d “gently” remind this mayor that Washington law preempts anything he could get past the cuty council. And if he DOES pass anything illegal, he, the Sheriff, being the chief law enforcement officer in the county, will physically detain him and any other of his underlings upon any atttempt to enforce his “law”. Let him see how long that sticks… Read more »
Preemption laws are nothing but writing on paper and mean nothing. The Constitution is the only preemption law that has meaning. The federal, state, and local governments have no rights/authority other than what is specifically given to them in the Constitution. The people have the rights and authority, and can only give give government the rights or authority that they themselves possess. NO INDIVIDUAL HAS THE RIGHT TO VIOLATE THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER – PERIOD!!!! This means that these bureaucraps have not rights or authority and cannot be given any rights or authority to violate the rights of the people!… Read more »
This is what happens when nine gazillion liberal, socialist Democrat Party “citizens” leave their screwed up state over the last ten years and then like Covid 19 invade and contaminate another state with their insane politics “forgetting” why they left their last mess. They just cannot help themselves, liberalism is a true mental disease–here they come Utah, Idaho, Montana, Arizona and Texas; they already killed Colorado.
@jh45gun, I have never been able to figure that illness out. How can ANYONE leave an unlivable mess, that they’ve created, only to recreate the exact same mess again and again?
I think the people who leave CA are still at heart socialists, and like all socialists who see that system fail, they’re sure the next time it will be done “right.”
The amount of out of state plates here in AZ are throwing up a red flag with me. They destroyed the states where they migrated like a swarm of locusts.
@joefoam
I’m right there with you Joe. Take heart, most are snowbirds. By the time Memorial Day, and 100 degree daily temps arrive the snowbirds will be gone.
They want no part of true desert life.
Gov Duce should close all AZ borders, N, S, E, & especially W!!!
In 1968 the gun control act was enacted and since then it has been a systematic attack on our 2nd amendment rights. I truly believe that there is not one politician that truly believes in the 2nd amendment. And this is just another example
“Bellingham WA to Give Mayor Power to Ban Sale And Carrying of Guns”. What you are really saying is ‘The cowardly Americans in the Washington city of Bellingham will kneel to the tyrant and tolerate unconstitutional actions’. NO politician has ANY power to do ANYTHING to control, regulate or ban firearms. The ONLY REASON gun control laws work, is because Americans are screaming yellow cowards and kneel to the tyrant. Rights are just too costly to defend they say. Standing up for Rights is so much effort, besides, bassetball is on and they got beer to drink…. Once, the Americans… Read more »
Thankfully, most sporting events have been cancelled. One of the few positives about the Kung Flu.
In the hillbilly town where I live, I think their idea of at home online schooling is going to be Fantasy Football (school district spent over $70 million for a new football stadium right next to the football stadium but can’t afford computer lab upgrades). Some Americans will not let go of the new Karl Marx “opium of the people.”
Thank goodness the football players still get paid. I’d hate to encounter a linebacker breaking into my house. I don’t think a 9mm would stop him.
I would say go to hell you son of a bitch I will buy one whether you like it or not
Doszap: One’s plans should not be told to the enemy. Our officials having the power to deny rights from individual free citizens places all private citizens at severe disadvantage.
@tt, You write, ” The ONLY REASON gun control laws work,…” You analysis begins with a fallacy, and therefore can not come to a logical conclusion.
In these jurisdictions it is vital that, before these wannabe tyrants actually exercise that supposed “authority”, they be sued, taken immediately to court, and have a ruling against that portion of the executive order.
Second Amendment Foundation has about 100 times more work than they can handle now. I just sent another contribution, but they need a lot more than me.
The only law suit that the 2nd amendment foundation should be filing is one against the federal government for dereliction of duty/ failure to uphold the Constitution. It is the federal government’s duty and job to ensure that ALL of the states adhere to the Constitution. When each state ratified the Constitution, they agreed to the terms of that Constitution, and when they violate it, they need to be prosecuted by the federal government!
I’m not sure of the state laws in Washington allow a mayor to supercede a state law that prohibits this type of action . Also happened in Illinois Sadly elected officials are using the COVID -19 as an excuse. Here in NJ, our “proudly progressive” governor deemed that gun stores are non essential and will be closed, no ammo or NICS for purchases. This was on our local news today, the NJ Attorney general and Colonel of NJSP were also at this conference. A question was asked by a pro gin person to Murphy and he briefly answered the question… Read more »
No state law supersedes the Constitution under any circumstances. He is using power he does not have. End of story
You got my attention when you mentioned a “pro gin person.” I briefly wondered if they were closing liquor stores too. Close one.
Washington State Law clearly andunambiguously preempts any local law. Of course, the problem will be in getting our corrupt and perverted AtG Ferguson to take action against this mayor for breaking Washington law while doing what Fergie likes. Not sure who the Whatcom Count Sheriff is, and what HIS values/positions are, but in that area hs is likely a good guy. If so, he would not stand idly by as a lawbreaking mayor would try and enforce such a blatantly illegal law. I know a few sheriffs in Wasnington State who would get into their patrol cruiser and, on official… Read more »
Mr Mayor, make sure you are walking down the street during a riot, unarmed with your fellow citizens you have disarmed.
Sue them for a breach of civil rights 100% totally Unconstitutional no one Can deprive you from purchasing a firearm and less you’re a criminal or otherwise prohibited.
Democratic Socialists supported by Bloomberg money are employing a piece meal, state legislature by state legislature strategy. Actively support your state level most pro-2A organizations, especially those heavily engaged in lobbying at your state legislature. First and foremost, defend your home turf. Don’t dig in. Go on the offensive. Don’t depend on any national organization to come to the rescue. “Neither the state nor any county, city, etc. can grab your guns by declaring an emergency. Back in 2007, AZCDL was instrumental in the passage of a Senate bill that added a new section to the statutes regarding emergency powers.”… Read more »
This article is about Washington state, not Arizona. But thanks for playing.
Washington state is like dead man walking
Don’t ever forget New Orleans after Katrina. The law is of no consequence when you are a socialist democrat.
the unprecedented authority to restrict city resident’s right to bear arms. The reason this “authority” is unprecedented is that the Legislature of the State of Washington have very clearly and unambiguously reserved to themselves ALL authority over firearms and related items. In other words, we have a VERY strong State Preemption law, and this “authority” flies in the face of that. It cannot stand. I’ll be watching for the gun store which refuses to close on her orders to fight it all the way to the US Supreme Court…. and probably try and get her charged with felony perjury for… Read more »
Tionico —
You can bet that if a gun store refuses to close, she’ll send in the storm troopers to make it happen and worry and repercussions later.
Current resident of Bellingham here; the mayor is actually Seth Fleetwood, but the article is accurate otherwise. All I can say is: Molon Labe.
Surprised at another avenue to “chill, control and suppress” fundamental Rights of the Sovereign by servants? Not at all, this is what servants do daily in America, notwithstanding their oath of office to the contrary. Patriot Act violates the 4th FISA Court violates the 4th NFA of 1934 violates the 2nd GCA of 1968 violates the 2nd RFLs violate 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 10th Bump Stock Ban violates 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 10th and Commerce Clause The Boston Bomber incident – where residents were ordered to shelter in their homes – just a stepping stone to what we… Read more »
SCOTUS has established that the deprivation of constitutional rights unquestionably constitutes irreparable injury to a person. You may then sue individually or by class action those that violate your rights.
Yes, but who has the kind of money to start a court fight with the government that could go all the way to the Supreme Court?
Perhaps you need a law that requires the government to provide equal funds to the citizen that challenges such a law.
Sushihunter: The law you propose would ensure justice in opposing oppression and is counter productive to the profiteering legal industry. Neither of which our public servants desire. The ability of all private citizens to exercise the right to justice is suppressed to denial by the expense.
Too difficult and expensive for individuals to sue and demonstrate loss. Class action takes organization but still works best, although it takes usually a long time. I think the New Orleans confiscation suit took so long, Nagin was already out of office and headed for prison by the time it was settled.
BowserB: Court delay only provides more time to add expenses. It only works best for the public servants challenged. Members of the court are public servants who many do not consider themselves as such.
This is just another example of a shell game played by street hustlers. “Now you see me, now you don’t.” My fear is that these anti-gun Mayors won’t remove these various 2A restrictions, like that of “assault weapons,” once the area is declared “Pandemic Free.” That they will have by then found a way to make them permanent, just like NYC did. Reader beware—- This EXACT same thing happened in 1942 when then President FDR (Franklin Delano Roosevelt) declared a new war tax effort for what was then on its way to becoming WWII. As he ramped up taxation efforts,… Read more »
@StW, What is this ” in 1942 when then President FDR (Franklin Delano Roosevelt) declared a new war tax effort …” that you wrote about?
It’s my way of showing how once a government, like all those gun-grabbing Mayors, will find ways to make these restrictions permanent once in place because all they need is the excuse. Maybe you could be more specific?
@StW, I am not aware of FDR institution any new taxation. He did sell government bonds to raise funds. In fact he had huge bond drives featuring Hollywood stars and war heroes of the time.
@WB —
This link will at least get you started. https://time.com/4289687/1942-tax-day-history/
@wjd — Yes. It was called Executive Order No. 6102, as issued by then President Roosevelt. But still it “went over,” as the people were compensated their gold for a measly $20.16 per ounce, which was based on gold as priced in 1836! The Fed then made a move that further devalued the dollar by an additional 40%, all while the price of gold was reevaluated upwards of $35 an ounce, meaning: they could pay less and get more because the real crime happened when the dollar that was traded for gold became that much more useless once it changed… Read more »
Exactly right. On a much less significant scale, as a kid in the 60s I remember the construction of the Florida turnpike, when it was promised that there would only be tolls collected until the turnpike was paid for.
It’s now been paid for many times over. We still have tolls–higher than ever.
NO TAX GOES AWAY. EVER.
Houston mayor (criminal who hired his gay boyfriend for $95k a year a taxpayer expense) says where you may go and what you may do. Chief of police (former Austin CoP) says “obey and comply.” Then implied without saying, that you might be arrested. Why not? Plenty of room in the jails since they let out the convicts. Don’t know what’s next. Since they essentially shut down retail in Houston and Harris County, sales tax revenues are all but gone. Restaurants collect sales tax but supermarkets do not. Eating at home is costly for the city.
@wjd, She would send the city’s private army.
all twenty seven of them?
This is what happens when the people vote for a liberal woman for any public office. The need to prove that she is as good, or better than, a man is paramount in her psyche. Given that most gun owners are men, this anti-gun attitude is seen as the best, and fastest, way to punish men for being men. People who vote for a woman will get exactly what they deserve.
Sorry Mr. Crosby, but liberal socialist men are every bit as dangerous as the female of the species. Ray Nagin as mayor of New Orleans had the police confiscate legal firearms from honest citizens and dump them into a non-climate controlled warehouse (after first taking for themselves anything they wanted), after which he sent them on a city-paid junket to Las Vegas. While the current criminal socialist female mayor of N.O. has blocked sale and transport of firearms, she hasn’t had them confiscated yet–maybe because of the lawsuit that cost N.O. so much or maybe because Ray Nagin is now… Read more »
God specifically said “Woman shall not be in authority over man”, he also said “Women are to be quiet and submissive”. 1 Timothy 2:11-14 King James Version (KJV): 11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Acceptance of feminism is a violation of God’s law. By the way, God also stated that behemah shall… Read more »
Then he will find his ass and the city/state Sued for denial of a constitutionally guaranteed right, take it to the bank get a good lawyer and sue the hell out of him/
And follow the yellow brick road?
@OV and Will, A certain someone’s yellow brick road goes to his second home … the liquor store.
Do you think that his “yellow brick road” will not quite reach the fabled “emerald city” (of greenbacks) like in the book?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfozcYqokJY