INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – Celebratory gunfire will be a special focus for police this weekend.
Blair’s Law can now deliver felony charges against anyone found guilty of recklessly firing a gun into the air.
Missouri’s former Gov. Mike Parson signed it into law July 9, 2024, meaning this will be the state’s first Independence Day since it was made official.
The new law is named for Blair Shanahan Lane, an 11-year old girl who was killed by stray gunfire on July 4, 2011.
Police officers will enforce the new law this weekend, when celebrations are likely.
“Do whatever, but a gun is a gun is a gun,” Michele Shanahan DeMoss, Blair’s mother, said on Tuesday.“ “It’s unimaginable. You don’t want to sit in the chair I’m sitting.”
DeMoss said her daughter’s untimely death turned her world upside down. Violators will face misdemeanor charges for a first offense, but upgrading them to felony level is possible.
In February, Clay County prosecutors filed felony charges against a man accused of firing 20 shots into the air.
Enforcement of the law will be demanding. Kansas City, Missouri officers have Shot Spotter technology that can lead them to gunfire, but most Missouri cities don’t have the high-tech gear.
Lee’s Summit Police Sgt. Chris Depue said he and other officers hope incidents of reckless gun use will lead to calls to 911, which will allow police to investigate promptly.
“It’s probably going to happen in a backyard or a driveway, or not that deep into a neighborhood. We’re going to rely on the public to report that and be willing to help us locate those people responsible for it,” Depue said.
Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson has also taken a strong interest in enforcement of Blair’s Law. She’s expected to join other law enforcement officials at a Wednesday morning news conference at KCPD headquarters, where celebratory gunfire is expected to be the primary topic of discussion.
