Denver mayor rejects Trump administration’s demand to repeal assault weapons ban

DENVER, Colo. (KRDO) - The mayor of Denver, Mike Johnston, publicly rejected the Trump administration's demand to repeal the city's assault weapons ban on Monday. According to our Denver media partner, 9NEWS, Johnston said he'd fight any federal challenge to Colorado's gun restrictions.

"We're here today to let them know that our answer is hell no," Johnston said at a press conference on the steps of Denver's City and County Building.

The U.S. Department of Justice sent letters to Johnston, Governor Jared Polis and Attorney General Phil Weiser on April 28, threatening federal lawsuits if the city and state refuse to abandon their respective gun restrictions. The letter demands that the state immediately stop enforcing a policy that bans the sale, transfer, or possession of large-scale magazines -- defined as those holding more than 15 rounds.

The city insisted it would not comply with the federal government's demands. Denver City Attorney Miko Brown called the DOJ's demand "baseless, irresponsible, and a clear overreach of the federal government's power," in Monday's written response.

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