Aldermen pass ordinance to make shooting a firearm illegal

GLUCKSTADT — A new ordinance means anyone caught discharging a firearm in the city will be charged with a misdemeanor.

The recently approved ordinance says anyone found discharging a firearm within the city limits could be penalized with a fine of up to $1,000 or 90 days in jail and the discharged weapon seized.

The ordinance says anyone who discharges a “gun, pistol, or firearm of any description” in the city will be guilty of a misdemeanor.

Police Chief Barry Hale presented the ordinance at the Oct. 8 Mayor and Board of Aldermen meeting at Gluckstadt City Hall.

He said the ordinance allows for residents to discharge a rifle on 50 acres of land and a shotgun on at least 10 acres of land.

The ordinance also includes language prohibiting anyone from carrying a firearm into public government meetings and schools with the only exceptions being granted to on-duty law enforcement and those who have a concealed carry permit recognized by the State of Mississippi.

Alderman Wesley Slay motioned that the ordinance be approved and Alderwoman Miya Warfield Bates seconded the approval. The item passed by unanimous vote.