New legislation at the Washington State Capitol would take an aggressive and more immediate posture with Domestic Violence crimes and gun possession.
“It allows them to call go call a judge similar to the process we use for search warrants” it allows police to fight domestic violence crimes in real time says State Senator Jesse Solomon “to get an emergency removal of weapons authorization, and an emergency no contact order which they can serve right then and there.” Solomon is the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 5231.
Emotions run high in domestic violence cases, guns can be hidden or easily replaced. “In Washington state nearly 60% of all domestic violence homicides are committed with firearms which is by far the most common weapon used” says Emily Stone with the Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
The bill would also allow courts to quickly issue pre-trail no-contact orders through police on the scene or an extreme risk protection order. “But what is a victim supposed to do in a situation where they’re ability to be able to defend themselves is removed” says State Representative Jenny Graham who’s uneasy about the restricted possession of firearms
In the wake of a violent case of harassment and murder-suicide in Redmond, bills like this are receiving serious consideration at the State Capitol.
