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Everytown for Gun Safety’s Litigation Team Will Defend the City Of Seattle in Any Litigation Resulting From its Efforts to Require Responsible Gun Storage

7.12.2018

SEATTLE – Following the Seattle City Council’s passage Monday of Mayor Jenny A. Durkan’s ordinance that promotes gun safety by encouraging responsible storage of firearms, Everytown for Gun Safety announced that Everytown’s Litigation Team, along with Orrick LLP, will represent the City of Seattle on a pro bono basis in any resulting litigation.

The ordinance passed Monday requires gun owners in Seattle to secure guns in their homes and other premises in a locked container whenever they are not carrying the guns or otherwise have them under their control. Unsecured guns pose a huge risk to children, families and communities. They can also contribute to the problem of guns being stolen from a home by criminals. According to the Seattle Police Department, at least 250 guns were reported stolen in the City of Seattle in 2017.

The ordinance was introduced by Mayor Durkan in collaboration with Councilmember M. Lorena González. In the past months, volunteers with the Washington chapter of Moms Demand Action, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, have testified at City Council hearings and contacted City Council members in support of the ordinance.

STATEMENT FROM ERIC TIRSCHWELL, DIRECTOR OF LITIGATION AT EVERYTOWN FOR GUN SAFETY:

“Responsible gun storage makes communities safer and we welcome the opportunity to support and defend the City of Seattle if there is a legal challenge to this common-sense gun safety ordinance. We are happy to be able to offer our legal services and expertise on a pro bono basis along with Orrick LLP if and when a legal challenge is filed.”

STATEMENT FROM SEATTLE MAYOR JENNY A. DURKAN:

“We are taking urgent action to save lives. While we can’t prevent every gun death or injury, we can take steps to help prevent tragedies. It is my strong hope that no one sues to stop this commonsense, life-saving measure. However, as I prepare to sign this legislation into law, we are taking steps to ensure that significant portions of taxpayer money are not required in the case that there is a legal challenge to this law. I am grateful that legal experts who share our commitment to reducing gun violence are standing with us and standing up for safer communities.”

STATEMENT FROM SEATTLE CITY ATTORNEY PETE HOLMES:

“My office has fended off NRA court challenges before, securing an 8-1 opinion at our State Supreme Court on the Gun Violence Tax just last year, but I’m thankful for the pro-bono assistance from Everytown and Orrick LLP. The City is fortunate to have strong and experienced partners help advocate for those most vulnerable to gun violence.”