Washington Gun Dealers Report 1,200 Denied Purchases In First Months Of New Law
Listen
Early numbers on a new Washington state law designed to crack down on felons, domestic abusers and others who try to buy a gun show that since July, more than 1,200 would-be gun buyers have failed background checks.
Of those, 49 people made multiple attempts to purchase a firearm. And 71 of them had a court order requiring them to stay away from their victims.
Alliance for Gun Responsibility CEO Renee Hopkins said the law is working because domestic violence victims are now getting notification if their abuser tries to buy a gun.
“The information that their abuser is trying to buy a firearm could literally save their lives,” Hopkins said. “It gives them the power to be able to plan for their safety and in most situations their children’s safety as well.”
An investigation by public radio and KING 5 News last year found that prohibited gun buyers are rarely, if ever, investigated and prosecuted in Washington. So far under the new law, 152 attempts to purchase have been referred to police resulting in criminal charges in at least two cases.
Related Stories:
Poll: Americans, Including Republicans And Gun Owners, Broadly Support Red Flag Laws
Strong majorities of Americans from across the political spectrum support laws that allow family members or law enforcement to petition a judge to temporarily remove guns from a person who is seen to be a risk to themselves or others, according to a new APM Research Lab/Guns & America/Call To Mind survey.
What Bills Passed And What Didn’t In Washington’s 2018 Legislative Session
Washington lawmakers are scheduled to adjourn Thursday after a short, 60-day election-year session during which Democrats flexed their new one-party control to pass a slew of legislation. Here’s a look at some of the bills that passed and some that didn’t.
The Future Of Washington’s Transportation Infrastructure Hinges On The Carbon Pricing Debate
Top Washington state legislators want to put a price on carbon to raise money for transportation projects. But with time running out, they can’t agree on the details.
