City officials and gun violence prevention activists have united to urge Pennsylvania’s highest court to allow cities like Philadelphia to establish their own firearm regulations in response to the ongoing gun crisis. Mayor Jim Kenney, after testifying on Wednesday, emphasized the urgency of granting Philadelphia the authority to enact its own gun laws rather than being bound by the Pennsylvania Uniform Firearms Act. This move is seen as essential to address the city’s severe gun violence problem, which has claimed the lives of over 300 Philadelphians this year alone.
Kenney stated, “The Pennsylvania Uniform Firearms Act binds our hands as we fight the scourge of gun violence and senseless loss of life in Philadelphia. There is no justification for this restriction that could possibly outweigh the negative effects of gun violence – especially the lives cut tragically short and the enduring psychological trauma to residents.” He further argued that allowing the city to implement constitutional and common-sense approaches would effectively reduce gun violence.
City officials had the opportunity to present their case to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in an effort to overturn the 2022 dismissal of the Crawford v. Commonwealth case. This case challenges the constitutionality of Pennsylvania’s firearms preemption laws, which prevent cities and municipalities from enacting legislation that supersedes state gun laws.
Diana Cortes, City Solicitor, emphasized the pressing need for action, stating, “With over 269 people killed by firearms this year alone, gun violence continues to traumatize Philadelphia communities on a near daily basis. Despite this, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania not only refuses to act but has repeatedly blocked City officials from implementing laws to address the crisis.” The city is optimistic that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court will reverse the Commonwealth Court’s decision to dismiss the case.
Petitioners are urging the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to overturn the case’s dismissal and remand it to the Commonwealth Court for discovery and trial. The lawsuit, filed in 2020, seeks a permanent injunction against the enforcement of Firearms Preemption Laws, allowing Philadelphia and other Pennsylvania municipalities to enact sensible gun safety laws proven to save lives.