POWAY, Calif. (KGTV) - A North County gun store, Poway Weapons and Gear Range, is part of a group suing the state of California over a law which took effect earlier this year.
The law makes it illegal to sell rifles and shotguns to anyone younger than 21. There are exceptions for military, law enforcement, and people with hunting licenses. It was already illegal for those under 21 to buy handguns.
Store Director of Sales Danielle Rudolph tells 10News the lawsuit is about sticking up for their customers.
"The constitution protects anybody that’s an adult in the United States. An adult is 18,” she says.
The state legislator who wrote the law says he was inspired to act by the shooting in Parkland, Florida, in which a man is accused of killing 17 students and staff members at a school while using an assault rifle. A similar weapon was used by the gunman in the shooting at the Chabad of Poway synagogue, which killed one person and injured three others.
Supporters of the law say it's a common sense regulation to help keep guns out of the hands of those who should not have them.
Rudolph says California already has the strictest gun laws in the country and that more aren't needed. She also says the law prevents her store from offering the gun safety and training programs for teens and children that are an important factor in creating a culture of responsible gun ownerships. That's why they feel it is important to sign on to the lawsuit filed Monday.
“We’re proud to be a part of it. Anything to protect our second amendment rights.”
