August 15, 2019
For immediate release

GOA Supports “Writ of Mandamus” Action to Force Allegheny County DA to prosecute Pittsburgh Mayor and City Council

Pittsburgh, PA — Gun Owners of America (GOA) is supporting a “writ of mandamus” petition against Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala to force him to accept private criminal complaints against Pittsburgh Mayor William Peduto and the City Council for violating the firearms preemption law.

Pennsylvania Director for GOA, Dr. Val Finnell, stated the following regarding this latest action:

“DA Zappala refused to accept private criminal complaints from several City of Pittsburgh residents who are rightly alleging criminal conduct on behalf of Mayor Peduto and six city council members for violating PA Code Title 18 §6120, the firearms preemption law. In refusing to accept the complaints, DA Zappala violated procedure cited in 234 Pa. Code Rule 506.

“The Mayor and City Council are also cited for ‘official oppression’ within the petition, a charge that is a misdemeanor of the second degree (Title 18 §5301).

“These residents are sick and tired of politicians who willfully disregard the Constitution of the Commonwealth and state law. DA Zappala failed to provide justice for these residents and has allowed criminal conduct on behalf of the Mayor and City Council to go unchecked. The ‘writ of mandamus’ petition will compel DA Zappala to accept and process the complaints.”

The plaintiffs are represented by Lane Turturice, Esq. Mr. Turturice can be reached at 724-470-9640 for media interviews.

Plaintiffs in the case are also available for comment.

Dr. Val Finnell, or another GOA spokesperson, is available for interviews. Gun Owners of America is a nonprofit lobbying organization dedicated to protecting the right to keep and bear arms without compromise. GOA represents over two million members and activists. For more information, visit GOA’s Press Center.