FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS ADVISORY
January 5, 2017
For More Information, contact:
Luther Strange
Mike Lewis (334) 353-2199
Alabama Attorney General
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
Page 1 of 2
AG STRANGE REVIEWS COMPLAINTS OF VIOLATIONS OF
ALABAMA GUN LAWS IN BESSEMER, SELMA, ONEONTA, WEAVER
(MONTGOMERY) – Attorney General Luther Strange today released public statements
about formal complaints received by his office concerning possible unlawful
prohibitions of firearms in Bessemer, Selma, Oneonta and Weaver. After reviewing and
investigating each complaint, the Attorney General’s Office worked with the public
entity to achieve compliance with state law.
The results of the Attorney General’s investigations are summarized below, along with
links to his determinations.
City of Bessemer
The Attorney General’s Office reviewed a complaint that the City of Bessemer failed to
comply with Alabama law because it prohibited firearms at the Bessemer Public
Library, as well as prohibiting firearms at city parks by municipal code. After the
Attorney General communicated with the City of Bessemer, the signs prohibiting
firearms were removed. The City additionally stated that it has not enforced the local
ordinance prohibiting firearms in the park and that it will not do so. Because the City of
Bessemer is now compliant with Alabama law, the Attorney General has determined
that no further action is required.
http://www.ago.alabama.gov/File-Firearms-2016-049-Public-Statements
Waterworks and Sewer Board of the City of Selma
The Attorney General’s Office reviewed a complaint that the Waterworks and Sewer
Board of the City of Selma failed to comply with Alabama law because it prohibited
firearms. After the Attorney General communicated with the Board, the signs
prohibiting firearms were removed. Because the Waterworks and Sewer Board of the
City of Selma is now compliant with Alabama law, the Attorney General has
determined that no further action is required.
http://www.ago.alabama.gov/File-Firearms-2016-046-Public-Statements
501 Washington Avenue * Montgomery, AL 36104 * (334) 242-7300
www.ago.alabama.gov Page 2 of 2
City of Oneonta
The Attorney General’s Office reviewed a complaint that the City of Oneonta failed to
comply with Alabama law because it prohibited firearms at City Hall. After the
Attorney General communicated with the City of Oneonta, it was found that the City
Hall is located within the municipal complex, which also houses the police department
and municipal court. State law provides that weapons may be prohibited inside a
building that houses a police, sheriff’s or highway patrol station. Because the City of
Oneonta is compliant with Alabama law, the Attorney General has determined that no
further action is required.
http://www.ago.alabama.gov/File-Firearms-2016-047-Public-Statements
City of Weaver
The Attorney General’s Office reviewed a complaint that the City of Weaver failed to
comply with Alabama law because it prohibited firearms at the Public Works
Department and at the address for City Hall. After the Attorney General communicated
with the City of Weaver, the signs prohibiting firearms at the Public Works Department
were removed. Under state law the City does have authority to prohibit firearms at the
City Hall because it is housed in the same building as the police department. Because
the City of Weaver is now compliant with Alabama law, the Attorney General has
determined that no further action is required.
http://www.ago.alabama.gov/File-Firearms-2016-048-Public-Statements
More detailed information for each of these cases and others can be found on the AG’s
web site:
http://www.ago.alabama.gov/Page-Firearms-Alabama-Public-Statements-13A-11-61-3
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