× Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

The Montana Supreme Court on Tuesday reversed a Missoula judge's decision upholding the city of Missoula's gun ordinance, which would have required background checks on all transfer of firearms, including gun show purchases.

The high court ruled 5-0 in favor of Montana Attorney General Tim Fox, who voided in 2017 the Missoula City Council's ordinance adopted the year earlier, arguing the council did not have the authority to infringe on gun ownership rights in the state and U.S. constitutions.

Missoula City Council President Bryan von Lossberg told the Missoulian on Tuesday he was "deeply saddened" by the ruling.

"I have said throughout this process that the background check system saves lives," he said. "It's a proven tool to do that. I was really heartened as I went through carrying this ordinance to learn of several people who use the instant background check system for private transfers."

The City Council took Fox to Missoula District Court, and Judge Robert "Dusty" Deschamps overturned Fox's opinion, writing that the attorney general's opinion ignored local government's ability to keep firearms out of the hands of convicted felons.