Guns still OK in Seattle parks, State Supreme Court declines review
Mar 8, 2012, 12:37 PM | Updated: 4:40 pm
Gun owners can continue to bring their firearms to Seattle parks.
The State Supreme Court has declined to review a decision that found the city’s previous ban illegal. The state Court of Appeals overturned a law banning guns from city parks because it was a violation of state law. The decision was appealed to the Supreme Court, which declined to even take another look.
“We’re happy now that we don’t have to spend any more money on this case. We’ve defended the rights of gun owners and citizens in Seattle and people who visit Seattle,” said Alan Gottlieb, founder of the 2nd Amendment Foundation.
Seattle’s Mayor Mike McGinn said on Thursday he’s disappointed with the decision and will still work to tighten gun control in parks.
“A park is no place for a gun. We are facing a public safety emergency fueled by gun violence. I urge the legislature to give us the authority next session to take actions that can help us reduce gun violence and keep the public safe.”
The city of Seattle and Mayor Greg Nickels imposed a gun ban in parks in 2008 following a shooting at the Northwest Folklife Festival where two people were injured.
The ban was later thrown out by a King County judge in 2010 who ruled it violated state law. The state Court of Appeals reaffirmed the ruling.
The City Attorney’s office also expressed disappointment in the ruling.
“We are disappointed that the Washington Supreme Court declined to review the Appeals Court ruling on banning guns from City parks,” City Attorney Pete Holmes said Thursday. “Seattle sought a second look not only on behalf of its residents but for all forms of local governments in the state that want authority over their own properties. We’ll ask the Legislature next session to give local governments the tools they need.”
