Single email led Seattle library to drop its gun ban

SEATTLE — The Seattle Public Library recently lifted its ban on guns in response to one patron's complaint.

KUOW reports that Seattle resident Dave Bowman sent an email in August arguing that recent court rulings mean that municipalities cannot ban firearms in the libraries. Officials consulted with city attorney after Bowman's email and decided to drop the gun ban in November without a fight.

City Attorney Pete Holmes says he hates that it had to be done, but he saw significant legal risk in keeping the gun ban going.

Librarians were clearly upset by the decision, saying libraries are prime targets for random violence and that guns may escalate confrontations.

Ralph Fascitelli is president of the gun control group Washington CeaseFire. He says the bigger issue is that Washington state has what he describes as weak gun laws.

KIRO