Washington AG supports ban of assault weapons
Sep 7, 2016, 10:27 AM | Updated: 10:52 am
A proposal that would ban high capacity magazines is alive again. (AP)
(AP)
Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson wants to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, his office announced Wednesday.
Ferguson’s office said the AG will submit agency request legislation in the 2017 legislative session to ban certain weapons. The bill would ban weapons such as the AR-15 and limit magazine capacity to a maximum of 10 rounds of ammunition — the state currently does not have a limit.
“The recent tragedy in Mukilteo drives home the need to act with urgency to end the availability of weapons designed with only one purpose — to kill people,” Ferguson said. “I have a duty to protect the public, as well as uphold the constitution. My proposal will ban some of the deadliest weapons, while respecting the Second Amendment right to bear arms.”
Three people were killed and one person was injured when a 19-year-old began shooting during a party in Mukilteo in July. Police say Allen Ivanov used a semi-automatic AR-15.
Sen. David Frockt (D-46) and Sen. Kevin Ranker (D-40) are working with Ferguson to craft the legislation.
Ferguson’s proposal targets sales, not current ownership. The legislation would not require registration of existing weapons.
