No, Officers Didn't Violate 2nd Amendment Rights When Seizing These Guns: HBPD

HERMOSA BEACH, CA — A series of guns that were seized by officers in Hermosa Beach and posted by the police department on social media led to some confusion about Second Amendment rights by some, prompting authorities to clarify why the weapons were taken away.

On Sunday, the Hermosa Beach Police Department posted five guns on Instagram that they say were taken during traffic stops throughout the city.

"And just in case you were wondering.. none of the guns were fired," the department wrote in the post. "Those loud noises you heard were fireworks."

While most of the people in the comment section thanked the department, some accused the department of violating people's Second Amendment rights.

"So the only people that can carry guns is the government?" one person commented.

"Right lol so much for the 2nd Amendment," another user said.

On Monday night, the Hermosa Beach Police Department made a second post in response to "feedback and concern" over the firearm recovery efforts.

"Believe it or not... HBPD does not violate rights or unlawfully seize firearms," the Hermosa Beach police said in the new post. "We seize firearms from those who unlawfully possess, transport, conceal or manufacture these weapons to keep (Hermosa Beach) safe, as well as our neighboring cities."

The department went on to explain that some of the people who had their guns taken away during traffic stops were carrying them illegally or concealing them, an act that's against the California penal code. Others were also arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and possessing narcotics.

They also issued a reminder that out-of-state permits are not valid in California and carrying in public can result in arrest and criminal charges.

If you wish to learn more about lawful firearm possession, handling, transporting and manufacturing, we highly encourage you to," the department said, "And if you have more time to spare, ghost guns and threaded barrels are also great lighting reading topics that can help you understand why HBPD takes the seizing of firearms very seriously."

California has some of the strictest gun laws in the United States, ranking No. 1 each year in gun safety.