At times the hearing on Mayor Catherine Pugh's proposed gun bill got heated. After two and a half hours, two passed amendments, and two failed amendments, the public comment period opened. Protestors immediately interrupted the proceedings that were recessed for five minutes due to the protests. Two protestors were forcibly removed by police and arrested. 

At the start of the full day's hearing five councilmen stood against the bill, five stood for the bill along with Council President Jack Young, and four stood undecided.

Police Commissioner Kevin Davis took questions from the councilmen on the trust and credibility of the police department in light of recent accusations of police planting drugs on a man who's charges were later dropped.

"Since mid-2015 I have done my very best to bring a culture of accountability of an organization that hasn't always embraced the necessity of police accountability," said Davis and added that last year he fired 23 police officers.

Many of the city council members and residents argued with Davis that the bill itself would not curb violence, but perpetuate unconstitutional policing.