Kennesaw, Georgia, has a unique law requiring residents to own firearms and ammunition, sparking mixed feelings among locals
Kennesaw: In Kennesaw, Georgia, it’s actually against the law not to own a gun. Can you believe that? This law has been around since the 1980s, and it says every household must have a firearm and ammo.
The idea behind it is to keep everyone safe. The law does have some exceptions, like for folks with disabilities or certain legal issues. But overall, it’s a pretty unique situation.
The town’s mayor, Derek Easterling, mentioned that they’re not out there checking on people. “We’re not going to knock on your door and say, ‘Let me see your weapon,’” he said. It’s more about the principle than enforcement.
Interestingly, there haven’t been any arrests for breaking this law since it was enacted. Some locals feel proud of it, while others find it a bit embarrassing. But according to police data, Kennesaw had no murders in 2023, which some residents attribute to this law.
However, there were a couple of gun-related suicides, which is a serious issue. People in town believe that the law makes criminals think twice before breaking in, as they never know who might be armed.
One local, Blake Weatherby, pointed out that it’s the mindset about guns that helps keep crime down, not just the guns themselves. He used to own over 20 guns but doesn’t have any now.
Pat Ferris, who was on the city council when the law passed, said it was more of a political statement than anything else. He’s not even sure how many people know about it today.
Interestingly, Kennesaw isn’t alone. Other cities like Gun Barrel City, Texas, and Virgin, Utah, have similar laws. It’s a quirky little fact about Kennesaw that residents either laugh about or feel a bit awkward discussing.
