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Judge Says Gun Give-Back Can Go Ahead in Fredericksburg

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FREDERICKSUBRG, Va. (AP) - A Fredericksburg judge has refused to block a gun give-back event sponsored by the city's police department.

The Virginia Citizens Defense League and gun dealer and collector Patricia Webb sought an injunction to stop Saturday's event, claiming an ordinance was required. They also said the event could deny business opportunities to dealers and collectors of one-of-a-kind weapons.

TheFree Lance-Starreports that Fredericksburg Circuit Judge Gordon F. Willis ruled Thursday that the claims lacked merit and that the plaintiffs had no standing to sue.

City Councilman Chuck Frye Jr. proposed the gun give-back. Local philanthropist Doris Buffett will make a $100 charitable donation for every gun surrendered to the police department.

Don Rush is the News Director at Delmarva Public Media. An award-winning journalist, Don reports major local issues of the day, from sea level rise, to urban development, to the changing demographics of Delmarva.