DETROIT (WWJ) – A Detroit City Council member is calling for a large portion of downtown to be deemed gun-free zones, including Greektown, where a rash of violence erupted over the weekend.
Councilwoman Mary Waters has introduced a resolution that would make Greektown, the Detroit Riverfront, Hart Plaza, and Spirit Plaza gun-free zones.
Waters says there “must be severe consequences for unacceptable behavior that injures or kills human beings in Detroit.”
She said she will be asking the Law Department to come before the council to “advise us on the legalities involved in establishing” such gun-free zones.
Meanwhile, Mayor Mike Duggan said Waters' plan is not legally feasible.
"We are governed by state law, and state law only permits gun-free zones in very defined places, like churches, schools and a number of others," Duggan said. "The city doesn't have a right to create a gun-free zone that is contrary to state law."
Duggan noted that the city does enforce "illegal gun-free zones" at high school sporting events and block parties, which involves setting up entry points with metal detectors. In these instances, people with guns can only enter if they have a CPL.
Duggan said the city is looking to expand those zones.
In Michigan, all people, including those licensed to carry a concealed pistol, are prohibited from doing so in gun-free zones, which include schools, daycares, sports stadiums and more.
Under the law, fret-time violators will be issued a state civil infraction, a $500 fine and will have their CPL permit suspended for six months, according to the state website. A second offense is a 90-day misdemeanor and carries a $1,000 fine, while violators will have their CPL revoked.
Third and subsequent offenses are a four-year felony and carry a $5,000 fine.
Opponents of gun-free zones argue that armed civilians could help others in active-shooter situations.
There were five shootings in Greektown over the weekend – including one that took the life of a security guard – and one near the Riverwalk.
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