DC mayor signs legislation allowing handguns

WASHINGTON (AP) — District of Columbia Mayor Vincent Gray has signed legislation that allows people to carry concealed handguns in the nation’s capital.

The mayor’s office says he signed emergency legislation Thursday that can be in effect for 90 days. The legislation passed the D.C. Council in September and was crafted to comply with a court ruling that struck down the District’s ban on carrying handguns outside the home. Permanent legislation still has to be passed.

Despite the mayor’s signature, residents can’t carry a concealed weapon quite yet. Authorities are still putting in place the law’s licensing requirement. Residents and visitors who want to carry a concealed handgun will have to show a specific reason that they need one, among other requirements.

District leaders hope the law will withstand further court challenges.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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