TAMPA, Fla. — A Tampa city councilman will propose a resolution on Thursday that puts the city on the record for supporting a federal ban on assault weapons.
Chairman Luis Viera said this is a common sense issue.
"This is a matter of saving lives, it’s a matter of public safety."
Viera says a local city in Florida can not legally ban assault weapons, however, they can support a federal ban.
"But, what we can do is pass a resolution to say we support this being done," said Viera.
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Viera took to Facebook about how he was inspired by a local Republican who urged the same type of support.
"I was inspired to do this by the actions of Clearwater Mayor George Cretekos, a Republican who bucked his party and urged his City Council to pass a similar resolution," he wrote.
Viera went on to say, "We can no longer ignore the sad reality that has been created with regard to gun safety issues. Proposals that were once common sense - like bans on assault weapons, high capacity magazines and armor piercing bullets, as well as universal background checks - are now deemed politically controversial and toxic. How did we let the political conversation go to this sad point? Proposals like this have to be part of the conversation we have in response to mass shootings and violence."
Last week, Clearwater's mayor said in a public meeting that he wants back a ban.
"I think we need to do more than thoughts and prayers," he said.
Mayor Cretekos urged his council to follow suit.
"In the past council and I have stayed away from national issues.. but I think this issue is something we need to consider," he said.
However, Cretekos attempt ultimately failed.
Viera's proposal will be brought up during a workshop on Thursday morning.
