Attorney General

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The federal judge in Seattle today rejected an attempt by Attorney General Ferguson and agreed with the new law in Washington that blocks the sale of assault weapons.

Judge Bryan is an appointee of President Ronald Reagan who granted a preliminary blocking injunction in the case of Bill Inslee and Jay Ferguson et al. V. Ferguson, jointly requested by Governor Inslee and Attorney General Ferguson for the implementation.

In the aftermath of the 2016 mass shooting at a Mukilteo house party, Inslee and Ferguson once again united to advocate for the prohibition of the sale of assault weapons. The perpetrator employed a military-esque assault rifle and a magazine with a large capacity. Ferguson initially suggested the implementation of a ban on the sale of assault weapons in 2017.

The new legislation came into force immediately after Inslee signed it on April 25. Legal disputes commenced on the very same day.

Ferguson stated, “We have not been defeated by the gun lobby in court.” He further mentioned that “Limiting the availability of the favored firearm of individuals who commit mass shootings will help preserve lives,” referring to it as “sensible gun reform.”

The new legislation in Washington state permits reasonable exceptions for the production and trade of firearms to law enforcement and the military, while disallowing the sale, production, and importation of assault weapons. The law does not forbid the ownership of assault weapons.

Washington is the tenth state to adopt similar legislation banning these weapons. Multiple federal courts upheld these public safety laws as constitutional.

Two additional obstacles to HB 1240 are awaiting resolution, one in the state judiciary and one in the federal judiciary.

The Office of the Attorney General has a flawless record in protecting state legislation against assaults by the firearms advocacy group.

  • The Second Amendment, including Plaintiffs: Ferguson v. Safety of School Northwest, requires background checks for all gun sales under Initiative 594.
  • Initiative 1639, which limited the purchase of assault firearms to individuals over 21 years old, and enforced background verification prerequisites, was contested by plaintiffs consisting of the National Rifle Association and the Second Amendment Foundation in Mitchell v. Atkins.
  • Slone v. Washington: Plaintiffs, including Gun Owners of America, contest the legality of I-1639.
  • The Silent Majority Foundation, along with other plaintiffs, are challenging House Bill 1705, which prohibits the use of ghost guns, in the case of Silent Majority Foundation, et al. V. Jay Inslee, et al.

    • The Office of the Attorney General has also effectively prosecuted cases to enforce laws regarding the safety of firearms.

  • In the case of Washington, et al., V. U.S. Department of State et al., The defendants, which include Defense Distributed and the Second Amendment Foundation, aimed to distribute 3D-printable firearm files.
  • Initially, the Defendants in the case of Guns Discount Way Federal v. Washington State represented the majority of high-capacity magazines sold in violation of Washington law.

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    Please go to www.Atg.Wa.Gov for further information. The Office furthermore pursues cases of mistreatment towards the elderly, deceitful practices concerning Medicaid, and deals with instances involving sexually violent predators in 38 out of the 39 counties in Washington. Moreover, the Office upholds consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws, directly benefiting the public. Being the largest law firm in the state, the Attorney General’s Office offers legal counsel to all state agencies, boards, and commissions in Washington. The Attorney General of Washington represents both the people and the state of Washington.