Airsoft Ban Passes First Reading Tuesday

A proposed ban on Airsoft guns in public took a step forward Tuesday when members unanimously approved it on its first reading.

“I would support this 1,000 percent,” said Hopkins resident Don Roesner, who attended the meeting to back the ordinance. “There’s going to be a fatality if we don’t get those off the streets.”

The ordinance would ban carrying any device that “reasonably appears to be a pistol, revolver, shotgun, sawed-off shotgun, rifle, machine gun, rocket launcher, or any other firearm.”

The ban’s definition of public places includes yards and space surrounding homes and businesses that is visible from the street and neighboring structures.

Airsoft guns are replica firearms that fire plastic pellets using compressed air or springs. Unlike real weapons, the muzzle tips are often painted bright orange. But these can be hard to see and the paint can wear off—or be painted over.

asked for a ban on Airsoft guns in public following two incidents in which Airsoft guns were nearly mistaken for real guns. Police pulled guns on residents carrying the replicas and worry that they could shoot someone with an Airsoft gun—or an officer will be shot after mistaking a real gun for an Airsoft gun.

( to read a transcript of one of the 911 calls that sparked the proposal.)

Police Chief Mike Reynolds said a quick Google search turned up multiple examples of fatal shootings that arose from mistaking Airsoft guns for real ones.

“I’m not here to spoil any fun for our kids,” he said. “These replica firearms have really become realistic looking.”

Under the proposed ordinance, those who are caught with replica firearms in public could be charged with a misdemeanor that would carry a penalty of up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Reynolds said officers would use their discretion in deciding whether to charge someone.

The ordinance will go before the council for a second reading May 1.

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