Coronavirus: gun rights group sues Los Angeles over closure of firearms stores during outbreak

A gun rights group is suing the city of Los Angeles, arguing that an order that closed stores that sell firearms during the Covid-19 pandemic is unconstitutional and pre-empted by state law.

The lawsuit, whose plaintiffs include the California Rifle & Pistol Association and stores selling firearms in the San Fernando Valley, states that although Mayor Eric Garcetti did not expressly name gun stores in his written order, both Garcetti and City Attorney Mike Feuer have stated that they must close and the police department has ordered them to shut down.

The rifle group argues that the move defies a state order allowing workers from “critical infrastructure sectors” to continue working. In addition, the plaintiffs contend that the L.A. order violates the California state constitution by depriving licensed dealers of the ability to operate without “due process of law” and keeping buyers from their “lawfully purchased property.”

The plaintiffs want the courts to force Los Angeles to immediately stop enforcing the order.

“Firearm stores provide essential and desperately needed services for police, first responders, private security, and concerned citizens – including those who want to be prepared for potential civil unrest,” said Chuck Michel, a lawyer representing the plaintiffs.

“The vast majority of jurisdictions in California recognise this. But the city is stubbornly clinging to its dogmatic opposition to allowing people to choose for themselves how best to be prepared,” Michel said.