Louisville councilman pushes for changes to local gun laws after recent violence

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Louisville Metro councilman wants state lawmakers to change gun laws in Louisville.

Juveniles with guns committing violent crimes in Louisville have grabbed headlines this summer with several high-profile cases, including one where a minor fired shots near an elementary school bus stop on the first day of school.

Less than a week later, a mother was gunned down in the same area while walking her daughter to the bus stop.

That's where Councilman Ken Herndon, D-4, announced plans Tuesday to lobby lawmakers to change the law. Specifically, he wants lawmakers to lift the restriction that prevents consolidated local governments from regulating firearms.

"This spot here — right here — this spot has come to symbolize the issues that we need to address together in our community," Herndon said while standing near the remnants of a makeshift memorial.

Herndon also wants local governments to be able to dispose of firearms seized by police to prevent them from being auctioned to the public — to prevent those guns from being recirculated. He called it "common sense gun laws."

Herndon said he's been spending a lot of time meeting with parents, school groups and others impacted by youth crime.

"I've looked into their eyes and seen the fear and concern, but also the resilience and determination to continue to do right by their children," Herndon said.

"From those conversations, it is clear to me that we must put together a comprehensive plan that does more than just check boxes, but dig deep into the communities most affected by this violence," Herndon said.

Herndon also has also floated the idea of requiring a waiting period for anyone wishing to purchase a gun in Jefferson County.

"Just wait a few days to let people cool off and let people calm down, and maybe reconsider what they may want to do," Herndon said.

He said he has not yet spoken to any state lawmakers about the proposal.

William Bene, who recently served a 20-year prison sentence, said community resources were helping him stay out of trouble before his conviction.

"I was in a youth program called the 'Neighborhood Youth' when I was growing up," Bene said. "And it was mentors all around the city. And what they did, they gave us money and empowered us a little bit."

Bene said after the youth program was suddenly canceled, he lost his way and ended up in prison.

"You have to give more resources and more accountability than they've ever had," Bene said.

Herndon plans to ask city leaders to make better use of community centers to keep young people out of trouble and give them something to do or a hobby to pursue. He said resources in those buildings are not being fully utilized, like access to a kitchen.

He would also like to add a field director to the Office of Violence Prevention. The public is invited to make recommendations during a safety committee meeting scheduled for Sept. 17.

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Louisville councilman pushes for changes to local gun laws after recent violence