Molly Prince | Contributor
Seattle passed a law Monday requiring gun owners to store firearms unloaded and in a secured container.
CB119266[2] was passed unanimously by the Seattle City Council and makes it a civil infraction to keep firearms unlocked or loaded while not under control of the owner, imposing a fine of up to $500.
Violating the ordinance can result in even higher penalties, up to $1,000, if the firearm is accessible to a minor or an “at-risk” person. It can incur penalties of up to $10,000 if a minor, “at-risk” person or prohibited possessor obtains the firearm and uses it to harm oneself or another. (RELATED: Massachusetts Governor Signs Gun Seizure Bill)[3]
“This is the kind of action we need to save lives,” Democratic Mayor Jenny Durkan said in a statement[4]. “While we can’t prevent every gun death or injury, we can take steps to help prevent future tragedies.”
“Seattle is unafraid to be a leader and take legislative action on measures to reduce and prevent gun violence,” Durkan continued.
