LA Mayor Garcetti Signs Paul Krekorian’s Law Banning Large-Capacity Magazines

LOS ANGELES- Today, at a ceremony with gun violence survivors, families of victims and gun safety advocacy organizations, Councilmember Paul Krekorian joined Mayor Eric Garcetti as he signed Krekorian’s law banning the possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines in the City of Los Angeles. With the Mayor’s signature, Krekorian’s law will go into effect in 30 days, making it a misdemeanor to possess large-capacity magazines that carry more than 10 rounds. LA residents who have such magazines will have a 60 days after the law takes effect to dispose of them, turn them over to the LAPD or legally sell them.

Speakers at the ceremony included: Mayor Eric Garcetti,Councilmember Paul Krekorian: author of the law, Josh Stepakoff: Survivor of 1999 shooting at North Valley Jewish Community Center and Women Against Gun Violence Board Director,Suzanne Verge: Los Angeles Chapter President of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence

“Los Angeles is now the largest city in California to ban the possession of large-capacity magazines,” said Councilmember Paul Krekorian, the author of the ban. “These magazines may not be the cause of gun violence, but when shooters use them, tragedies turn into massacres. I introduced this legislation just one month after Sandy Hook because I believe that elected officials at all levels have an obligation to do everything we can to prevent mass shootings from taking innocent lives. More than two years later, I’m proud that LA has acted, even as Congressional leaders shamefully sit on their hands. Our city is now at the forefront of the national dialog on how to promote gun safety and prevent gun violence, and I urge other cities, states, and the federal government to join us.”

“The City of Los Angeles is taking a courageous step today and we have that courage because of our leaders, law enforcement, coalition partners and victims and survivors who get up every day and have the courage to fight for what is right and our right—the freedom to live in a society free of gun violence,” said Suzanne Verge, President of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.

BACKGROUND

For 15 years, California state law has prohibited the sale, purchase and importing of large-capacity magazines, however, it does not ban their possession. Krekorian’s law closes this loophole and will make children and families safer in their homes, schools and around the city. It is similar to laws passed in San Francisco and Sunnyvale, Calif., which survived legal challenge by the NRA at the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

More than 50% of all mass shooting crimes—like those in Sandy Hook, Aurora, Colo., Isla Vista, Columbine and recently in Chattanooga and Lafayette—are committed with guns that have high-capacity magazines. A large capacity magazine was used by the shooter in the 1999 North Valley Jewish Community Center shooting in the San Fernando Valley.

Organizations who worked with Krekorian to support the legislation include:Women Against Gun Violence · California Chapters of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence · Violence Prevention Coalition of Greater Los Angeles · California Chapter of the National Organization for Women · Los Angeles Drugs and Alcohol Policy Alliance · Alcohol Justice · International Health and Epidemiology Research Center · Temple Isaiah Gun Legislation Action Committee