Recently published in various media outlets was the unprecedented request by an airport (Hartsfield-Jackson) for the TSA to amend its security plan and allow the airport to ban firearms outside of the secure areas. GCO is currently in court fighting Hartsfield over its ban so we were surprised to find out that the airport is trying to create a back door way to ban firearms if their case should fail. In addition to our letter to the TSA to deny Hartsfield’s request of the security plan change, we have also asked the TSA for all the documents Atlanta submitted to the them for the request to change the security plan. It will be about a month before we get that requested information. You can view GCO’s FOIA request here.

GCO has written Kip Hawley, head of the TSA, asking him to reject Atlanta’s request to amend its airport security plan to include a ban on guns throughout the airport property.  A copy of the letter may be viewed here.

GCO has filed responses to Atlanta’s motions in the Airport gun ban case in federal court in Atlanta.  In the case, GCO challenges Atlanta’s policy of arresting people for carrying firearms in the airport, even if they have GFLs.  Atlanta filed a motion seeking to exclude GCO’s evidence of the legislative history of HB 89, which removed restrictions against carrying in the airport for GFL holders.  Atlanta also filed a rare motion for judgment on the pleadings, asking the court to dismiss the case without looking at any evidence.  GCO also filed a reply in support of GCO’s motion for a preliminary injunction, which GCO requested to stop Atlanta from arresting people for nonexistent crimes while the case is pending.  A hearing will be held August 11 to determine if the preliminary injunction should be issued.  Documents in the case may be viewed here.

The City of Atlanta answered in the airports case, and it is seeking to enjoin GCO from carrying weapons in the airport.  Yes, you read that correctly.  Atlanta filed a Counterclaim along with its answer asking the federal court to enter an injunction against GCO to bar GCO from carrying firearms in the airport.  Atlanta filed a Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings, asking the court to throw the case out based only on the Complaint and Answer, and responded to the Motion for a Preliminary Injunction that GCO filed.  The pleadings are availible here.

Federal District Judge Marvin Shoob granted the City of Atlanta’s motion to continue the hearing on GCO’s motion for a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction.  The hearing now will be August 11, 2008 at 1:30 p.m.  The judge’s order may be viewed here.

Atlanta, in underhanded fashion, asked the Court to delay the hearing on whether it should enjoin Altanta from arresting innocent people while the case is pending, and asked the Judge to rule on the motion without hearing from GCO!  As a result, in lightning strike fashion, GCO filed a response that shines the light of truth on Atlanta’s request.

The Airport and City of Atlanta have filed an emergency motion to delay the July 18 hearing scheduled for GCO’s motion for a preliminary injunction to prevent Atlanta from arresting people for carrying firearms at the Airport.  GCO has responded.  The motion, and response, may be viewed here.

GCO has filed a motion for a preliminary in junction against Hartsfield-Jackson Airport and the City of Atlanta, requesting that the defendants be enjoined from arresting people for lawfully carrying firearms in the Airport during the pendency of the case against them.  The brief supporting the motion and other documents may be viewed here.

GCO filed a federal lawsuit this morning against Mayor Shirley Franklin and Hartsfield Aviation General Manager Ben DeCosta over their illegal policy and DeCosta’s specific threat to arrest (falsely) Rep. Tim Bearden.  You may read the complaint here.

The City of Atlanta just issued a press release with a headline that declares, “Atlanta Mayor, Airport GM Declare Airport a Gun-Free Zone.” HB 89 takes effect tomorrow and it declares the policy of the state of Georgia, which is that transportation terminals are no longer off limits.  Mayor Shirley Franklin and airport General Manager Ben DeCosta are holding a press conference tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. in the airport atrium (clock tower). GCO will be watching this issue closely.  If the City of Atlanta clearly states that it will follow through with its threat, then GCO will file suit before the press conference is over.

Has Mayor Franklin forgotten about her recent loss in court to GCO, back in May?