The list of places where guns can be carried in Fairfax City is getting smaller.
An ordinance to ban the possession of guns at city-permitted events and parks owned and operated by Fairfax City was approved Tuesday (Oct. 28) by the city council, aligning the city’s firearms policy with that of Fairfax County.
All six council members supported the proposal, which adds additional restrictions to a policy that hadn’t been tweaked since it was implemented in 2021.
“My commitment to our community is to ensure safety for all,” Councilmember Thomas Peterson said. “This should not come at the unreasonable expense of citizens’ rights, but I believe the narrowness of this issue mitigates against that potential.”
Peterson was arguably the strongest voice in favor of the proposal, though each of the council members voiced approval. Most community members who testified at a public hearing last week also expressed support for expanding restrictions on guns in public spaces.
Councilmember Rachel McQuillen opined that the ordinance “does not infringe on constitutional rights,” and is an appropriate measure to ensure safety.
“[This ordinance] lawfully regulates the time, place and manner of firearm possession of power affirmed by the Supreme Court, limiting guns in government buildings, parks and public spaces, helps prevent tragedy, supports first responders and ensures residents can safely participate in civic life,” she said.
During her remarks, Councilmember Stacy Hall expressed support for the ordinance but also for some additional steps — something that Peterson echoed.
“I don’t want to overstate this, but I am concerned that we are experiencing increased levels of tension and anxiety that may lead to higher risk behavior by some people,” Peterson said. “The city has stepped up security for events, including prevention and response, but additional risk management may be needed.”
Following the passage of the ordinance, Peterson proposed a handful of related tweaks that were ultimately approved by the council:
- Request that the Fairfax City Police Department, by the end of 2025, provide a recommendation on how to close capacity gaps within the department for the collection, analysis, reporting of crime and safety risk information
- Request that the Fairfax City Police Department and Department of Health and Human Services, by the end of 2025, explore how they might partner to instill stronger preventive measures for citizens who may be particularly at risk for committing crimes and report back
- Request that the city attorney and other departments bring back options to “close the loophole” for carrying guns on the grounds of city hall
The amendments to the ordinance also increase the penalty for violations in the city. Offenses, which were originally categorized as a Class 4 misdemeanor and carried a maximum $250 fine, are now a Class 1 misdemeanor and could result in jail time.
The council voted to speed up implementation of the amended ordinance, which will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026 — six months earlier than previously proposed.
This story has been corrected to clarify that Fairfax City parks are owned and operated by the city, not the Fairfax County Park Authority. Fairfax County already has an ordinance banning firearms in its parks.
