Gun owner seeks to suspend mayor's firearms ban in Seattle parks

Seattle resident Bob Warden, who filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging Seattle's ban on guns in parks and other recreation facilities, has filed for a preliminary injunction to prevent Mayor Greg Nickels from enforcing the ban.

In his request, filed Monday, Warden asks that the ban be lifted until his suit is resolved.

Warden, 44, carried a pistol into a West Seattle community center Nov. 14 to test the new ban, claiming it violates the U.S. and state constitutions and state law. When he was asked to leave, he did.

Warden said he wants the ban repealed and his legal fees paid. He's also seeking unspecified punitive damages from the mayor.

The ban took effect in October at more than 500 Seattle Parks and Recreation facilities, including parks, playgrounds and community centers.

The mayor has said a municipal property owner such as Seattle may impose limits on firearms as a condition of entry or use of certain facilities, especially if children are likely to be present.

In seeking an injunction, Warden, an attorney, said the Second Amendment to the Constitution guarantees the right to keep and bear arms.

Other gun-rights advocates also have challenged the ban.

Susan Gilmore: 206-464-2054 or sgilmore@seattletimes.com