Kent man ends court challenge to Seattle gun ban

A Kent man has ended his federal court challenge of Seattle's ban on carrying firearms in city parks and community centers.

But the gun ban remains on indefinite hold pending the outcome of a separate, state court case, according to the Seattle City Attorney's Office.

Robert Warden sued Seattle in November after carrying a pistol into a community center and being asked to leave. In March, a federal judge in Seattle ruled against Warden, finding the city was within its rights to restrict guns in "sensitive" areas such as schools and courthouses.

Warden, a Kent attorney, initially appealed that ruling, but withdrew his appeal Thursday. In a statement, Warden said other lawsuits around the country are well positioned to resolve the question of what sorts of firearms restrictions cities can enact in sensitive areas.

In any event, Seattle's gun ban won't be enforced while the city appeals a February ruling by a King County Superior Court judge, who found the gun ban violated state law. Cities and towns cannot impose their own firearms restrictions because that's up to the state Legislature, the judge ruled.

Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn has vowed to continue fighting to uphold the ban, which was enacted last year by the previous mayor, Greg Nickels.

Jim Brunner: 206-515-5628 or jbrunner@seattletimes.com