Washington state poised to ban guns at protests, Capitol grounds

[ZiprHead]

Despite opposition from Republicans and gun-rights activists, lawmakers in Olympia are working to deter ad hoc ‘patrols’ and armed protests.

After a summer of armed, mostly white “patrols” at racial justice protests and the winter insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, Washington state lawmakers are ready to ban guns at demonstrations and the statehouse.

Over opposition from Republicans and gun-rights activists, both houses of the Legislature have passed a ban on weapons within 250 feet of protests or on the Capitol campus in Olympia. Backers say empowering police to remove or arrest armed onlookers addresses widespread complaints from demonstrators and reduces a bona fide safety risk.

Idahosa-Berry said she spoke with a police lieutenant, who contacted the armed group but told her there was nothing he could do. Although armed with assault rifles and perched atop a building that dozens of marchers would soon pass, they weren’t breaking any law.

“We’re talking about weapons that are traditionally seen as weapons of war,” Idahosa-Berry told a legislative committee hearing on March 16. “We were put in danger for the purpose of ‘protecting property.’ ”

Incidents like the one Idahosa-Berry described had pressured lawmakers to address the proliferation of counterprotesters toting assault rifles well before a mob stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. That deadly invasion and an intrusion onto the grounds surrounding the Governor’s Mansion in Olympia around that time propelled the Legislature to act, said Sen. Patty Kuderer, the ban’s prime sponsor.

 

[Derec]

After a summer of armed, mostly white “patrols” at racial justice protests

There have been plenty of armed #BLM and Antifa activists last Summer, of all races. While people like Garrett Foster or Michael Reinoehl were white, they have been #BLM and Antifa respectively. And obviously, you have a bunch of armed black militants carrying weapons. Like for example the Huey Newton (and the News) Gun Club or the armed group that took over the city block in SW Atlanta last Summer and killed an 8 year old girl when her family's car was stopped at the barricades.

I hope that Washington state will not apply any viewpoint discrimination when enforcing this law. Not too optimistic about that since they can't stop talking about "January 6th" as if that was the only armed extremist incident in the US recently.

 

[laughing dog]

After a summer of armed, mostly white “patrols” at racial justice protests

There have been plenty of armed #BLM and Antifa activists last Summer, of all races. While people like Garrett Foster or Michael Reinoehl were white, they have been #BLM and Antifa respectively. And obviously, you have a bunch of armed black militants carrying weapons. Like for example the Huey Newton (and the News) Gun Club or the armed group that took over the city block in SW Atlanta last Summer and killed an 8 year old girl when her family's car was stopped at the barricades.

Your whataboutism is duly noted.

I hope that Washington state will not apply any viewpoint discrimination when enforcing this law. Not too optimistic about that since they can't stop talking about "January 6th" as if that was the only armed extremist incident in the US recently.

It was the only one aimed at overthrowing an elected government and on government grounds (i.e. relevant comparison).

Of course, from the OP you did not read

That deadly invasion and an intrusion onto the grounds surrounding the Governor’s Mansion in Olympia around that time propelled the Legislature to act

 

[repoman]

Your whataboutism is duly noted.

I hope that Washington state will not apply any viewpoint discrimination when enforcing this law. Not too optimistic about that since they can't stop talking about "January 6th" as if that was the only armed extremist incident in the US recently.

It was the only one aimed at overthrowing an elected government and on government grounds (i.e. relevant comparison).

Of course, from the OP you did not read

That deadly invasion and an intrusion onto the grounds surrounding the Governor’s Mansion in Olympia around that time propelled the Legislature to act

What is going in Portland then?

 

[Patooka]

This faux outrage about common sense legislation would be more credible if guns were allowed at NRA rallies and Republican campaigns, Practice what you preach, righties.

 

[untermensche]

This faux outrage about common sense legislation would be more credible if guns were allowed at NRA rallies and Republican campaigns, Practice what you preach, righties.

How about guns at Trump rallies?

Hunting rifles. Assault rifles.

I'm sure the Secret Service won't mind.

 

[Patooka]

This faux outrage about common sense legislation would be more credible if guns were allowed at NRA rallies and Republican campaigns, Practice what you preach, righties.

How about guns at Trump rallies?

Hunting rifles. Assault rifles.

I'm sure the Secret Service won't mind.

Because people would leap to the wrong conclusion and think you are doing some pest extermination. You need a license for that.

 

[Loren Pechtel]

Ban open carry certainly.

However, concealed carry with permits? I think you're helping the KKKers, not hindering them.

 

[untermensche]

Rifles allowed for hunting and home protection.

Shotguns allowed for hunting and home protection.

Nobody allowed to carry around weapons.

Handguns banned except for the military.

The police are like the police in England. No guns.

 

[Politesse]

They'll be happy enough to use the legislation to shut down Antifa actions and the like.

 

[Patooka]

They'll be happy enough to use the legislation to shut down Antifa actions and the like.

To be honest they should. Protesting with an Armalite isn't something to be condoned.

It should also apply to everyone. It's pretty fucking pathetic that such a sentiment is considered controversial amongst right wingers.