Georgia’s attorney general says Savannah overstepped in outlawing guns in unlocked cars

By RUSS BYNUM
Associated Press

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — Georgia’s attorney general says Savannah city officials overstepped their authority when they outlawed keeping guns in unlocked cars. Savannah’s mayor and city council adopted an ordinance in April that requires people to lock vehicles with guns stashed inside. Violators face fines of up to $1,000 and up to 30 days in jail. Republican state Attorney General Chris Carr sent city officials a letter Friday saying the ordinance violates a state law that prohibits local governments from regulating firearms. Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said Monday that the ordinance will remain in effect. A lawsuit by a private citizen challenging the city’s gun law is pending.