WASHINGTON (AP) - A bill that would allow the District of Columbia government to operate temporarily as a gun dealer appears headed for defeat.

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Instead, Mayor Vincent Gray's administration is working with Washington's sole gun dealer to find a new place to operate his business. Gray said on WTOP-FM Tuesday morning that the district may allow Charles Sykes to use government office space.

Residents have been unable to bring guns into D.C. legally since Sykes lost his lease earlier this year. Federal law prohibits residents from buying handguns in other states and bringing them into the district, which has prompted a lawsuit from three residents.

Council member Phil Mendelson has proposed an emergency bill that would authorize the government to complete the gun transfers. But Gray and several Council members oppose the measure.

D.C. government as gun dealer?

WASHINGTON (AP) - A member of the D.C. Council is introducing emergency legislation to give gun buyers a way to get their weapons into the city again.

Residents have been without a way to legally transfer a gun into the District of Columbia since the only person licensed to do so lost his lease earlier this year. Federal law prohibits residents from buying a handgun elsewhere and bringing it into the city themselves.

Charles Sykes had been serving as an intermediary between district buyers and out-of-state sellers, but he's still looking for a new location from which to operate. Sykes had been processing about six to 10 guns a month.

Councilman Phil Mendelson plans to introduce the legislation Tuesday allowing the city to serve temporarily as an intermediary.