Everytown, Washington Moms Demand Action Applaud Seattle City Council for Passing Ordinance to Require Responsible Gun Storage

SEATTLE – Everytown for Gun Safety and the Washington chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today applauded the Seattle City Council for passing a city ordinance that 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.

This ordinance promotes gun safety by encouraging responsible storage of firearms. 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 Mayor’s office, at least 250 guns were reported stolen in the City of Seattle in 2017.

This sort of proposal is broadly popular with the public: a February 2018 Politico/Morning Consult poll found that 76 percent of registered voters across America supported requiring that all gun owners store their guns in a safe storage unit.

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 have testified at city council hearings and contacted city council members in support of the ordinance.

STATEMENT FROM JANETTE AMBAUEN, VOLUNTEER WITH THE WASHINGTON CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:

“Our city council stood on the side of public safety by supporting this common-sense measure to encourage residents of Seattle to responsibly store their guns. We are so grateful for the courage and leadership of the Seattle City Council for exercising its power and authority to effect meaningful change. If we can prevent even one child gun death, it’s our responsibility to do so. I’m proud of the city council for recognizing this responsibility today.”