Airsoft is in danger in Baltimore as the City Council have initially approved a city-wide ban of replica guns. Proposed Ordinance 16-0761 which was filed by Councilman Kraft in September 2016 was a reaction to an incident in which a teen died of gunshot wounds when he was shot by Ohio Police for holding a replica firearm and also to an incident that happened in Baltimore in April where a 14-year old boy carrying a spring-BB gun was shot and injured by the police.

In a report in Baltimore Sun, City Council President Bernard C. "Jack" Young says that replica guns are contributing to the increase in violence in the city’s streets. Baltimore has a high homicide rate with more than 800 shootings reported for the year and replica guns are also used in robberies. Children also put themselves in danger when they think these replica guns are like other toys that can be brandished in public.

Councilman Kraft says that his proposed ordinance will be the easiest way to get replica guns off the streets. A first offense will result into a fine of US$250 with second the second offense rising to a US$1,000 fine with possible jail time for repeat offenses.

It remains to be seen that the proposed ban, which is expected to be passed next month, will contribute to the decrease in crime and gun violence to the city though replica guns, even if used in crime, do not result into the injury or loss of life of a victim, only the wielder of the replica gun is in danger when confronted by responding police.

For those who want to oppose the approval of 16-0761, they can coordinate with the STOP the MD Airsoft & BB Gun Bans on Facebook. The group has been successful in opposing the HB879 and SB742 bills that could have led to banning of airsoft in the State of Maryland and are now working on preventing it to happen in Baltimore.

Top Photo: Baltimore City Hall (Source: Wikimedia Commons)