Jackson County Executive Calls Youth Gun Ordinance a ‘Dangerous Disservice to Community’

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Jackson County Executive Frank White Jr. voiced his opposition Monday to a recently introduced ordinance that would restrict firearms possession by people ages 18 to 21.

Ordinance 5865, introduced by Jackson County Assemblyman Manny Abarca, was inspired by the February shooting at a Chiefs Super Bowl rally that left a woman dead and dozens of others injured.

White Jr., however, was critical of the ordinance after being presented with a legal opinion from the Jackson County Counselor’s Office.

“Jackson County is committed to the safety and well-being of our residents, but we must approach this with integrity and respect for the rule of law,” White Jr. said Monday. “Ordinance 5865, which is currently before the Jackson County Legislature, seeks to restrict firearm possession by 18-21 year-olds. However, Missouri law is clear: this ordinance is unlawful and preempted by state law.”

Abarca and White Jr. frequently clashed over several issues during their tenures as county legislators and executives, including whether and how Jackson County could or should keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals in the county. White Jr. criticized Abarca without mentioning him by name in his statement Monday.

“The sponsor of this resolution was fully aware of its legal shortcomings but chose to move forward,” said White Jr. “This is a dangerous disservice to the community.”

READ MORE: Jackson County legislator introduces initiative to restrict firearm possession based on age

When the ordinance was introduced on July 23, Abarca said it was time to act, citing the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and the shooting at a rally.

“We cannot sit idly by as our communities are torn apart by senseless violence,” he said.

White Jr. cited Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s willingness and history of suing municipalities that tried to impose gun restrictions that violated state law as another reason the ordinance was unsafe for Jackson County residents.

“The adoption of Ordinance 5865 would not only be illegal and unenforceable,” White Jr. said, “but it would also burden Jackson County taxpayers with the cost of defending an indefensible law.”

“Our goal should be to focus on real solutions that truly improve public safety without misleading the public or wasting taxpayer dollars,” White Jr. continued. “We must reject political ploys that serve no purpose other than to deceive and divide our community.”

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