Philadelphia's gun laws

Philadelphia has five new gun laws, recently passed by City Council and signed by Mayor Nutter. But their legality is being challenged.

Recent coverage

On the front lines of gun purchases in Philadelphia (May 22, 2008)

Mayor Nutter says some gun shops are part of the crime problem. One owner deflects the comments.Read the article

Nutter's 'traffickers' label angers gun shops (May. 21, 2008)

The legal battle over new city gun-control laws turned into a war of words beyond the courtroom as Mayor Nutter laid into the two gun shops challenging the ordinances. The lawyer for Colosimo's Inc. and Firing Line Inc. threatened to sue the mayor after Nutter lambasted them for selling multiple guns to individuals. Read the article


Nutter defiantly signs five gun laws (April 11, 2008)

Mayor Nutter likened himself and City Council members to the band of rebels who formed this country as he signed five new gun-control laws that defy the state legislature and legal precedent. Read the article

Continuing coverage on violence in the city of Philadelphia, including interactive maps.

Philadelphia's gun laws (.pdfs)

Law on "straw purchases"

Law on reporting lost/stolen handguns

Law on certain assault weapons

Law on gun ownership by those under protection-from-abuse orders

Law on temporary removal of guns from some people

Reaction from parties opposed to the laws

Statement from the National Rifle Association after the laws were signed. The NRA is a party in a lawsuit against the city.

Statement from the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association of the firearms industry, after a temporary restraining order was issued against the city.