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Does the ruling mean that more people will be carrying guns on the streets?
Not under the law. City officials stressed that the Supreme Court's decision only allows residents to keep guns in their homes. A ban on handguns in the streets and other public spaces remains in effect. As a practical matter, it could mean more guns on the black market, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) said. But even with the gun ban, there is no shortage of weapons on District streets. This year, D.C. police have seized more than 1,200 firearms.
Isn't this going to lead to an increase in crime?
Some research indicates that street violence in the District would have been worse without the law and that the handgun ban was responsible for a sharp drop in suicides and domestic killings. But other studies have arrived at contrary conclusions, and gun violence has continued to plague the city in spite of the ban.
Where can I go if I have questions about the law?
D.C. Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier said residents can call 202-727-9490, 24 hours a day.
-- David Nakamura
