Attorney General Lockyer Issues Statement On Federal Appeals Court Ruling Upholding California's Assault Weapons Ban

(SACRAMENTO) – Attorney General Bill Lockyer today issued the following statement in response to the ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in Silveira v. Lockyer, No. 01-15098:

"I am pleased with the court's ruling upholding California's Roberti-Roos Assault Weapons Control Act.

"While I respect the rights of Californians to pursue hunting and sports-shooting, and of law-abiding citizens to protect their homes and businesses, there is no need for these military-style weapons to be on the streets of our state.

"I also am pleased that the court upheld exceptions to the law for peace officers who may be called to protect public safety even while off-duty. I am disappointed a similar exception for retired officers was not upheld."