SEATTLE — A lawyer who carried a pistol into a West Seattle community center to challenge Seattle’s new ban on guns in public spaces has filed suit in federal court, saying the policy violates the U.S. and state constitutions, as well as state law.
In the lawsuit filed Friday, Bob Warden, 44, said he wants the gun ban repealed, wants his legal fees paid and seeks unspecified punitive damages against Mayor Greg Nickels.
The ban on guns at more than 500 Seattle Parks and Recreation facilities where children go, including parks, playgrounds and community centers, took effect in October. The mayor has said a municipal property owner such as Seattle may impose limits on firearms as a condition of entry or use of certain facilities, especially if children are likely to be present.
Warden carried his Glock pistol into the community center on Nov. 14 and was asked to leave. He did so.
Other gun rights advocates have challenged the ban in Superior Court but Warden said he thinks those plaintiffs may not have standing because they haven’t been denied admission to a city park.
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