King County has now joined the city of Seattle in requiring gun owners to safely secure their firearms.
The ordinance passed by a 6-3 vote Monday.
Supporters said gun safes will prevent gun thefts, gun violence, gun accidents and gun suicides.
But opponents told county council members not to punish law-abiding gun owners.
“I don't want my gun locked up by law. I want it locked up by common sense,” said Dan Chavre
Supporters pointed to a Washington state risk survey that shows 51,000 firearms owners in King County keep their guns loaded and unlocked.
“I can't believe that I have a locked car, a locked medicine bottle, a locked home. I keep other things in my house that are important under lock and key. It is incumbent upon you to be responsible when you own a gun,” said Vinnie Richichi. Better known as radio talk show host “New York Vinnie”, Richichi said he went to the council meeting to talk about sports, but changed his mind when he saw the council was debating the gun measure.
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A first-tine offender would receive a written warning. A second or subsequent offender could receive a $1,000 fine additional offenses risk a $1,000 fine and a year in jail.
But opponents said locking up guns could put people trying to protect themselves at risk.
“When you are living in an unincorporated area where there aren't police response times of three, five, 10 minutes, knowing that you can take care of yourself in a timely manner every second counts,” said King County Council Member Kathy Lambert.
Supporters noted that this is the first anniversary of the Las Vegas massacre, and they want to prevent all kinds of gun violence.
“Responsible storage helps keep the gun out of the hands of someone who shouldn't have it -- a child, someone in a moment of domestic crisis or violence,” said King County Council Chair Joe McDermott.
The city of Seattle faces a lawsuit over its gun safety ordinance. It would be no surprise if King County faces a similar lawsuit.
KIRO
