Georgia’s attorney general says Savannah went too far in banning guns in unlocked cars.

Georgia’s attorney general has raised concerns about a recent move by city officials in Savannah to prohibit leaving firearms in unlocked cars, arguing that it oversteps the city’s authority and goes against state laws.

The Savannah mayor and city council approved the new ordinance in April with the aim of reducing gun thefts from vehicles, which have been a significant issue in the area. The law imposes fines of up to $1,000 and possible jail time for offenders.

State Attorney General Chris Carr, a Republican, sent a letter to Savannah officials criticizing the ordinance for interfering with state laws that govern the possession and transport of firearms. Carr emphasized that the regulation of firearms is a statewide issue and cannot be regulated at the local level.

The clash between the state attorney general and the city council sets the stage for a potential legal battle over gun control measures at the local level. A lawsuit has already been filed by a frequent visitor to Savannah seeking to block the enforcement of the ordinance.

Mayor Van Johnson, a Democrat and former police officer, is standing firm in support of the ordinance, stating that it encourages responsible gun ownership while respecting individuals’ Second Amendment rights.

The city council’s decision to pass the ordinance received unanimous support and was endorsed by groups like Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. The move comes in response to a concerning rise in gun thefts from unlocked vehicles, with hundreds of firearms reported stolen in the past year alone.

Prior to Savannah’s actions, efforts to implement state-level gun control measures, such as offering tax credits for gun safety equipment and classes, had failed to gain traction in the state legislature.

Carr pointed out previous instances where Georgia courts have struck down local gun restrictions, emphasizing the need for consistency in firearm regulations across the state. He warned city officials of potential civil liabilities if they continue to enforce the ordinance.

Despite the legal challenges and criticisms, Savannah officials are adamant about upholding the ordinance and ensuring that gun owners secure their firearms properly to prevent thefts and promote public safety.

As the debate over local gun regulations continues to unfold, the clash between state and city authorities highlights the complexity of gun control policies and the balancing act between public safety and individual rights.