Missouri Law Decision Approaching to Make Celebratory Gunfire Illegal
PECULIAR, Mo. – Addressing Stray Bullets
With the Fourth of July in sight, many are eagerly planning their celebratory activities, yet others dread the looming threat of stray bullets that often accompany the event. The Shotspotter technology, employed by the Kansas City Police Department, reported 193 rounds of gunfire from the period of 6 p.m. July 3rd to 6 a.m. July 5th, last year. This only accounts for the areas covered by Shotspotter, hinting at a higher actual number across the city.
Since her daughter Blair’s untimely death to a stray bullet in 2011, Michele Shanahan DeMoss has been tirelessly working with the local Kansas City Police and state legislators to address this issue and to potentially criminalize such actions. Years of door-to-door advocacy and political work seems to be paying off as the decision is closer than ever this year.
Existing Legislation and Discrepancies
Presently, city ordinances varied across Missouri allow for the discharge of firearms within city limits, adhering to certain common sense exceptions such as shooting ranges. In Kansas City, Missouri, offenders are judged and penalized by municipal courts, often resulting in lesser penalties compared to state-level misdemeanors.
Surprisingly, reckless firearm use is not currently considered a crime. Unlawful use of a weapon is strictly defined, involving scenarios such as firing into a house, vehicle, boat, or a plane, or discharging a firearm within 100 yards from occupied schools, churches, or courthouses. However, recklessly firing a gun into the air, potentially endangering lives, is not deemed a crime.
Introduction of Blair’s Law
The introduction of Blair’s Law aims to change this. The proposed legislation would criminalize the reckless discharge of a firearm “within or into any city limits.” First-time offenders would be charged with a misdemeanor, and any subsequent offenses would be considered a felony.
The bill has seen several attempts in the past without passing, but progress has been made over the years under the sponsorship of Democratic State Representative, Mark Sharp. The representative played a key role in the bill passing both houses and making it to the Governor Mike Parson’s desk, not once but twice.
Shared Grief and Hope
Shared personal experiences and mutual grief has created a bond between DeMoss and Sharp, cementing their resolve in this cause. Sharp too has lost loved ones to gun violence, making the bill personally significant. Both are optimistic about the governor’s decision this time around.
The Governor has until July 14th to issue a sign or veto. If the bill is signed, it would go into effect on August 28. Regardless of the outcome, DeMoss plans to continue advocating for safety and spreading her message.
