Kansas City Star. December 30, 2022.
Editorial: Celebratory gunfire at New Year’s is stupid. Missouri should make it a felony, too
The new year is always a time for celebration, but that should never include shooting a firearm into the air. Unfortunately, celebratory gunfire has marred New Year’s in Kansas City for decades — a deadly dangerous practice that needs to stop.
A new bill pre-filed ahead of the 2023 Missouri legislative session would make discharging a firearm within or into city limits a felony offense. It has exemptions for shooting weapons in self defense or at gun ranges.
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle should ensure that this irresponsible and criminal behavior is met with harsh penalties. This is not a partisan issue — it is a lifesaving one.
State Rep. Mark Sharp, a Kansas City Democrat, introduced House Bill 109 — Blair’s Law — in remembrance of Blair Shanahan Lane, an 11-year-old girl who was mortally wounded when she was struck by a bullet from celebratory gunfire while she played outside on July 4, 2011. One of the men involved in the incident pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and served a prison term.
Indiscriminate and celebratory gunfire are currently Kansas City ordinance violations that can result in a fine or jail time. If someone is struck and killed by this dangerous and irresponsible behavior, it can result in a charge of involuntary manslaughter, a state felony, and prison time.
Lawmakers who have supported Blair’s Law in the...
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