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New "Celebratory Gunfire" law in the works (Sen Marsh, D16)

Posted: Sat, 07 Sep 2013 14:11:59
by allingeneral
RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) – Virginia State Senator Henry L. Marsh III (D-16th District) plans to pre-file “Brendon’s Law” in November making it a specific crime in Virginia to fire a gun into the air. He’s still working on the details of the proposed law, named after 7-year-old Brendon Mackey, struck and fatally injured by a .40 caliber bullet that fell from the sky while he walked with his father to a Midlothian July Fourth celebration.

There are already at least three state laws that can apply to celebratory gunfire, but Marsh says there needs to be one law that clearly states that specific practice is illegal. Click here to review some of the state laws.

http://wtvr.com/2013/09/06/holmberg-sho ... y-gunfire/

Re: New "Celebratory Gunfire" law in the works (Sen Marsh, D16)

Posted: Sat, 07 Sep 2013 14:14:51
by allingeneral
Why create another law when we already have several on the books that cover this type of behavior? This is just another "Feel good" law to make Senator Marsh seem like he really cares about everyone's well-being, and another law that won't be enforced or prosecuted.

18.2-280. Willfully discharging firearms in public places.
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504 ... d+18.2-280

18.2-286. Shooting in or across road or in street.
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504 ... d+18.2-286

Re: New "Celebratory Gunfire" law in the works (Sen Marsh, D16)

Posted: Sat, 07 Sep 2013 20:15:21
by ProShooter
I appreciate the intentions, but reckless handling of a firearm would cover this just fine.

Re: New "Celebratory Gunfire" law in the works (Sen Marsh, D16)

Posted: Sun, 08 Sep 2013 03:16:40
by MarcSpaz
I was thinking that negligent homicide was already illegal. Maybe I am missing something.