The Los Angeles City Council turned thousands of the city’s gun owners into criminals by banning possession of legally acquired magazines that come standard with millions of firearms—possession that had previously been grandfathered.
The council eliminated the protection for detachable magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. Owners have 60 days in which to remove them from the city, sell them or give them to the police.
Is there any precedent for arresting citizens for possession of an item acquired legally? We don’t ban possession of antique cars because they don’t have seat belts, nor jail long-time owners of classic pianos with ivory keys. But now, L.A. has given itself the power to arrest thousands of law-abiding gun owners who have no criminal record or intent.
Ominously, mayor Eric Garcetti promised more such action, saying, “We will not wait for Washington to act; we are ready to act now.”
