Garcetti Moves to Ban "Open Carry" Handguns

In the wake of several high profile shootings and school lockdowns, City Council President Eric Garcetti submitted a motion today to ban "open carry" handguns within the city limits, according to LA Now.

Garcetti is calling the move "common sense" and urges council members to approve it. "No one needs a gun on their hip when walking down the street or going to the store," Garcetti said. "The open carry of a handgun can be intimidating and threaten public safety."

Garcetti has some backup on this in Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge) who has introduced legislation that would ban the carrying of "unloaded, exposed" handguns in any public place or street. LA city council backed Portantino's measure last week.

Garcetti's proposal is expected to be reviewed by council on January 28th. If the motion is approved, a draft for banning the open carrying of handguns in L.A. will be written.