The city of Denver won't comply with a demand from the U.S. Department of Justice to repeal its longstanding ban on assault-style weapons, Mayor Mike Johnston said yesterday.

Why it matters: Johnston is framing the demand as federal overreach — setting up a broader fight over local control of gun laws.

• It also escalates a brewing clash with President Trump's administration.

Catch up quick: The DOJ sent a letter to the mayor and the city attorney's office on April 28 saying Denver's law violates the Second Amendment and calling on Denver police to immediately cease its enforcement.

• The local law bans the possession and sale of guns with magazines holding 15 or more rounds, which can include the AR-15-style rifle used in the 2012 mass shooting in Aurora.

State of play: Denver says it has a "clear legal authority" to regulate firearms within city limits in the interest of public safety, and the local ordinance is consistent with state law and the U.S. Constitution.

• Denver's city attorney sent the DOJ a formal response yesterday.

Between the lines: The DOJ's demand targets a law focused on public safety — a focal point of Johnston's administration.

• In a statement, the mayor noted the city recorded a historic drop in homicides last year.

What they're saying: "Denver's law has stood for 37 years because it works, it saves lives, and it reflects the values of our community," Johnston said in a statement.

• Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas and Councilmember Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez also issued statements in support of the mayor's position.

The other side: Axios did not receive an immediate response to a request for comment from the justice department.

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Hope you didn't plant that garden or put away your snow shovel yet.

Why it matters: A major winter storm is likely to hit much of Colorado today into tomorrow, bringing rain, snow and freezing temperatures, per the National Weather Service.

Driving the news: Much of the Front Range from Fort Collins south through Boulder and down to Castle Rock is under a winter storm watch, with 3–9 inches of snow possible and the highest totals north of I-70 and west of I-25.

• Other areas on the western and eastern sides of the storm can expect 1–5 inches of snow, with the greatest tallies above 8,500 feet.
• Colorado Springs is on the edge of the storm and may avoid the harshest impacts.

The intrigue: The northern mountains and foothills from Red Feather Lakes south to Nederland are expected to see 10–24 inches with more possible above 10,000 feet.

Threat level: The heaviest snowfall is forecast to arrive later today through tomorrow morning, and the timing and temperature could produce higher accumulations.

• Denver's low today is expected to fall to 31°, but it could turn colder tomorrow night with a freeze watch and a low in the mid-20s.

What we're watching: On Thursday, the storm clears out with sunny skies and a high near 66°.

The man accused in last summer's deadly attack on Boulder's Pearl Street Mall is set to plead guilty in his state case even as federal prosecutors consider pursuing the death penalty.

The latest: In a Sunday federal filing, the suspect's attorneys said he will plead guilty in his state case on Thursday.

• The filing stated Mohammed Sabry Soliman would plead guilty to all charges and be sentenced to life in prison without parole, plus 400 years.

The Boulder County District Attorney's Office said it would not comment on possible plea agreements.

Between the lines: While Soliman's state case nears resolution, his federal hate crime prosecution remains ongoing.

• According to an emergency motion, Soliman offered to plead guilty in the federal case in exchange for a life sentence.

Go deeper

🚨 Federal immigration arrests in Colorado rose to about 4,160 in 2025, up 281% from 1,091 in 2024, new data shows. (Colorado Sun)

🚗 A state representative who says she was sexually assaulted by a rideshare driver is again pushing a bill aimed at improving rider safety, after a similar safety measure was vetoed last year. (9News)

💰 The Colorado Contractors Association wants to ask voters to dedicate $540 million in discretionary state spending to road construction, but lawmakers are moving to thwart it, warning it would force cuts to other priorities like schools and health care. (Denver Post 🔑)

🪇 It's Cinco de Mayo, and we've done the heavy lifting to unearth holiday deals around town.

Yes, but: First, some context — this is not Mexican Independence Day, which is Sept. 16.

• Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico's victory over the French during the Battle of Puebla. It's grown more popular in the U.S. than in Mexico, where it's primarily celebrated in the city of Puebla.

Dig in: Here are five places offering food and drink specials today.

• The Cherry Cricket has an all-day buy-one-get-one deal on its signature Cricket Margarita.
• Los Chingones offers a complimentary welcome shot or bite on arrival, plus specials on beer buckets, house margaritas and a $9 taco-shot combo.
• Rio Grande will have $5 classic margaritas until 5pm.
• Tamayo hosts a Taco Tuesday celebration with discounts on margaritas and tacos throughout happy hour.
• Terminal Bar at Denver Union Station will serve drink specials, including frozen margaritas and specialty cocktails. Plus, get three tacos for $10.