Kentucky Court of Appeals upholds firearm ban for felons

HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) – Attorney General Russell Coleman and Jefferson County Commonwealth Attorney Gerina D. Whethers announced a new ruling from the Kentucky Court of Appeals that will keep felons from possessing firearms in the Bluegrass State.

According to a release, the appellate court overturned a Jefferson Circuit Court ruling, which found a state law barring felons from possessing firearms was unconstitutional.

Officials state AG Coleman and Commonwealth Attorney Whethers filed the appeal to defend the rule of law and uphold the Kentucky statute to protect families.

“We can fully support the Second Amendment – I certainly do – and still recognize the constitutionality of laws that keep felons from possessing deadly weapons,” said AG Coleman. “I’m proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Commonwealth’s Attorney Whethers to protect Louisville families, reduce threats to our law enforcement officers and keep violent criminals off our streets.”

“The safety of our community is our number one charge and will always be our priority. There is a stark difference between having law-abiding citizens exercise their constitutional rights—which I back fully—and enabling the most dangerous of criminals to run the streets armed,” said Commonwealth Attorney Whethers.  “We respect that the Court of Appeals also recognizes this distinction. I am especially thankful that Attorney General Coleman, his team, and ours could work together to affirm a common-sense legal outcome.”