Authorities had hoped to impose a “gun-free zone” on almost the entire area, which would have added to the already enormous pile of regulations mandated by both city and state. But litigation threatened by the Second Amendment Foundation and the California Rifle and Pistol Association forced leaders to back down.
The San Francisco Police Department was compelled to comply with the law after last year’s Supreme Court Bruen decision. This led to much handwringing by gun control zealots, and Supervisor Catherine Stefani proposed the new county measure.
It was Stefani who tabled the motion indefinitely.
In touting the proposal, she said that the existence of concealed carry means “increased potential for harm.” Stefani added that the presence of lawful weapons “creates an environment of fear and unease in our everyday lives.”
What she ignored is that it is not law-abiding citizens who pose a threat to public safety. Rather, it is violent criminals who do not get permits and are not affected in any way by new mandates.
The list of prohibited locations was lengthy. Concealed carry permit holders would not have been allowed to have their weapons in hospitals, parks, restaurants, movie theaters, houses of worship, grocery stores and voting locations.
Violators faced up to six months in jail and a fine up to $1,000.
San Francisco currently bans firearms at public gatherings such as protests and parades. Concealed carry in most other settings, however, is permissible to those with a valid license.
And while the city deteriorates and shootings have risen a staggering 74% over the past five years, the dire situation cannot be blamed on lawful gun owners. But getting violent criminals off the street is apparently too much for San Francisco leaders.
