Washington Legislature fails to change law allowing teenage purchases of AR-15 rifles

By: Essex Porter

The teenager accused of the Parkland, Florida high school massacre bought his deadly AR-15 legally at the age of 19. Washington State has a similar law.

In Washington, you must be 21 to buy a pistol, but just 18 to buy a rifle like the AR-15.

Legislation to raise the legal age to 21 never came to a vote in the State Senate before Wednesday’s cutoff deadline.

How Washington lawmakers voted: Bump stock ban

Asked if the age should be raised, Republican Senator Lynda Wilson responded, “I don’t know that that’s going to solve our problems. The thing is we’re talking about a particular gun; the same thing could be accomplished with any other gun that’s out there. This is not a gun issue. This is a mental health issue. This person was very troubled. He needed to have help.”

Another Republican leader believes state law should be changed to allow armed civilians to defend schools.

“Why are we not allowing for training of citizens out there who can be certified to go out there to carry and protect these kids among us?” said House Minority Leader Dan Kristiansen.

Legislation to ban bump stock triggers did pass the Senate, and advanced in the House Thursday, due to the Democratic majority.

But when it comes to keeping teenagers from legally buying assault-style rifles, Democrats have just about given up.

Senate Majority Leader Sharon Nelson urged voters to pass an initiative raising the age for legally purchasing a rifle.

Lots of talk, little action in Congress after shootings

“In this case, especially after what happened yesterday, I would encourage citizens in this state to run another initiative and cure this. Because for Grandmothers Against Gun Violence and Mothers Against Gun Violence, I think it’s time to run an initiative.”