City Councilor Norm Blais , a Democrat , said he was moved to sponsor the proposal after hearing what he called President Barack Obama 's pleas to have a discussion about weapons in our country after the deadly Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings in Newtown , Connecticut , in December . Philadelphia City Council passes ordinance banning assault weapons , high - capacity magazines . Sponsoring City Council prompted to act after a school shooting . Many meeting attendees opposed the ban , calling it too broad and unwarranted .
Philadelphia City Council passes ordinance banning assault weapons , high - capacity magazines . Sponsoring City Council prompted to act after a school shooting . Many meeting attendees opposed the ban , calling it too broad and unwarranted .