NRW: Reul wants gun ban zones in parts of Düsseldorf and Cologne
nNorth Rhine-Westphalia’s Interior Minister Herbert Reul (CDU) will propose to the state cabinet the creation of gun ban zones in Düsseldorf’s old town and Cologne’s nightlife districts. A ministry spokesman announced on Monday that the basis are risk and situation assessments by the Dusseldorf and Cologne police headquarters. A corresponding template can be found in the coordination between the departments.
The ban is intended to cover the area of Düsseldorf’s old town as well as Cologne’s nightlife districts, the rings and Zülpicher Strasse. The decision was preceded by an “intensive coordination process with the locally responsible police authorities”. The weapon prohibition zones are not a panacea either. However, the ordinance improves the police’s ability to act. You can then more easily control and sanction violations with a fine.
Reul recently reported in the state parliament that carrying knives with blades shorter than 8.5 centimeters could be prohibited in the zones and could be fined. A valid hazard prognosis is a prerequisite. However, it will not be possible to check all visitors to these zones for weapons.
After two bloody acts, Düsseldorf’s Lord Mayor Stephan Keller (CDU) called for a gun ban zone.