Advocates and opponents clash over assault-weapons ban proposal

OLYMPIA, Wash. — The battle over banning assault-style weapons is back on in Olympia.

Both sides clashed at a hearing this morning.

Law-abiding gun owners decry talk of banning them. But gun safety advocates criticize the guns for their deadly power and speed.

Assault-style rifles were carried openly when gun rights advocates rallied at the Capitol on Friday. Open carry is legal in Washington.

“July 30th, 2016, my son was shot in the back by a gunman with a semi-automatic assault rifle equipped with a high capacity magazine,” Paul Kramer told the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee.

“(Will) was lucky enough to survive, but three of his friends were not.”

Kramer is urging lawmakers to ban new sales of both assault-style rifles and high-capacity magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition.

Advocates on both sides testified before the House Judiciary Committee on HB 2241.

“Please remember that when the shooting starts, the loss is forever,” said Anne-Marie Parsons, whose daughter Carrie was killed in the Las Vegas massacre.

Gun rights advocates reject the bans, pointing out that both assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines are common means of self-defense.

“They are not killing machines used in the military, but they are used for women to protect themselves,” said Jill Milhans, survivor of a home invasion.

State Rep. Jenny Graham of Spokane added, “Actually, holding responsible the people who are doing the crimes to begin with might be reasonable as far as taking steps to reduce these mass shootings.”

An earlier assault-weapons ban proposal failed because some lawmakers represent districts that are very wary of gun bans.

“I just think it’s too soon to tell,” said House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, referring to the latest proposal.

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