Democratic Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed into law one of the nation's most restrictive gun laws in 2023, but the state is currently experiencing a spike in highway shootings.
More than 50 models of guns are banned. lawincludes popular rifles such as the AR-15 and M-16, and Democrats in Congress want to enact several more gun control bills to further crack down on them. The state is currently experiencing a sharp increase in highway shootings, with more than a dozen shootings reported on state highways since the beginning of the year. according to Go to KOMO News. (Related: Gavin Newsom announces hiring more lawyers to help prosecute many 'serious' crimes in big cities)
As of Friday, more than 190 “shooting incidents” had been reported in the state since the beginning of the year, Washington State Police (WSP) told DCNF. Nine of the shootings were on highways in the Seattle area and are currently under investigation.
WSP told DCNF that the number of reported shootings in 2023 was similar at 199 by this time last year.
MONROE, PA – JUNE 3: Guns are on display as gun enthusiasts participate in the annual machine gun shooting hosted by Shooters Gauntlet on June 3, 2023 in Monroe, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Spencer Pratt/Getty Images)
At least seven shootings were reported on highways near King County, Washington, in January. according to Go to KOMO News. On January 22nd, two separate shootings occurred within two hours of each other in King County. according to Go to KOMO News.
Several drivers in Washington state have expressed concern about the incident.
“When I'm with my daughter and family, I'm worried about a mass shooting happening,” Tan Wanzhong said. Said KOMO News.
Kendra Hubbell told KOMO News, “After hearing about all these incidents, if someone cuts me off, I just try not to look at them. Just mind my own business and move on.” Please. It's not worth getting involved with.”
“I never thought about it before driving on the road, but I feel like there's nothing we can do,” Hubbell continued.
The number of mass shootings in the state has skyrocketed, increasing from four in 2019 to 15 in 2023. according to To Axios.
Washington state Democrats have floated a bill to outlaw assault rifles as a solution to mass shootings and an answer to the outcry of anti-gun activists. according to To PBS. “They're marching in the streets. They're asking us to take action,” Democratic Washington state Sen. Liz Labret said in March 2023.
“We are very pleased that this long-awaited legislation has been passed,” Inslee press secretary Mike Faulk said. Said CNN, April 2023. “The governor has advocated for this policy since 1994, when he voted in favor of a federal ban in Congress. Working alongside other gun reforms underway this Congress will save lives. It will be.”
Several more gun control bills have been introduced in the Washington State Legislature.
one bill, H.B.1902, would impose a requirement to obtain a permit to purchase firearms within the state. Another proposed bill is SB5444, it would ban the use of guns in several public places, including parks, zoos, libraries and bus stops. Another bill currently passing through Congress, HB2054would limit gun traffickers to surrender only one gun per person every 30 days.
Other blue states have also introduced major new gun laws within the past two years. A California law that goes into effect on January 1 and restricts concealed carry permit holders from bringing firearms into “sensitive areas” such as playgrounds, churches and hospitals is facing legal challenges. Another law passed in Illinois in January 2023 banning semi-automatic guns that can hold more than 10 rounds for long guns and 15 rounds for handguns quickly led to litigation, but the Supreme Court ruled against it. He repeatedly refused to hear the lawsuit.
Inslee did not respond to requests for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation.
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