4/11/2023

Seattle Student Union

Natalya@seattlestudentunion.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

In response to Washington State passing a long fought for ban on assault weapons among other gun control measures. 

Tears of joy and relief were shed on April 8th, 2023 when House Bill 1240 passed the House of Representatives to finally ban assault weapons in Washington State. Just before April 8th, House Bill 1143 was passed on April 7th, requiring a 10-day wait period and gun safety training for anyone buying a firearm. This bill prevents a gun dealer from selling or transferring a firearm to the purchaser until they provide proof of completion of a safety training program, pass a background check, and wait for 10 days. Yesterday, Senate Bill 5078, Justice for Victims Act, passed the Senate floor. SB 5078 holds those involved in the firearm industry, such as manufacturers, importers, distributors, sellers, etc, accountable for any harm or deaths caused by firearms. 

The Seattle Student Union and organizers from the Alliance for Gun Responsibility, and youth members from Ingraham for Gun Safety joined together and watched the bill passage from the gallery, wearing orange in support of HB 1240, HB 1143, and SB 5078. 

In November, a 17-year old student was shot and killed on campus. From the 911 call at 9:55 am on November 8th and the students' release to families at noon, we were terrified. So many of us across the district had friends and loved ones that were locked in their classrooms fearing for their lives. 

We turned our anger into action. Led by the Seattle Student Union, thousands of students walked out of school the following week and protested in front of Seattle City Hall and last month the Seattle Student Union organized a student caravan to the state capitol to demand the state ban assault weapons, training requirements and waiting periods and holding gun manufacturers accountable. As youth organizers and residents of Washington, we have worked tirelessly to end gun violence, protesting in the streets, speaking with representatives of legislators, and educating fellow youth about the importance of these bills. It is no small feat and we are proud of the action by students across Washington State to demand that the legislature pass these bills. 

It is long past time that lawmakers pass meaningful legislation around gun violence prevention. We are confident these measures will prevent school shootings, but we are not done. 

Banning assault weapons, requiring waiting periods and safety training and holding gun manufacturers accountable, yet a great accomplishment, is only one step of many needed to build a safer future. We will continue to push for the implementation of more mental health support in addition to reducing easy access to firearms, but today we celebrate the major victory. The Seattle Student Union will continue to organize to make change and push for a better and safer future for youth in Washington. We encourage students to join the movement!

In Solidarity,

Executive Board, Seattle Student Union