Attorney General Bob Ferguson has announced the allocation of nearly $2 million to 12 local law enforcement agencies across Washington state. This funding aims to support gun violence prevention efforts in communities spanning nine counties on both sides of the Cascades.
The funds will be used for various initiatives, including gun buybacks, youth outreach, education programs, and firearms safety classes. Additionally, departments will purchase locking safes and other equipment for safe gun storage. The Airway Heights Police Department in Spokane County received the largest award of over $545,000 to fund a support program for victims of gun violence.
“We are investing this money in communities to help law enforcement prevent gun violence,” Ferguson stated. “Their efforts will improve public safety across Washington.”
This one-time funding resulted from a lawsuit enforcing Washington's ban on high-capacity magazine sales. A King County judge found Federal Way Discount Guns violated the law by selling thousands of these magazines. The store agreed to pay $3 million to resolve the claims. As allowed by the court order approving the resolution, Ferguson dedicated more than $1.8 million to fund local law enforcement efforts aimed at reducing gun violence and promoting firearm safety.
Any local police department, county sheriff’s office, or tribal police agency in Washington was eligible to apply for this funding. The Attorney General’s Office received 20 applications and selected 12 proposals based on their potential impact on addressing gun violence and enhancing firearm safety.
Letters confirming the awards will be sent out this week. Agencies must track how they use the funds and adhere to specific reporting requirements set by the Attorney General’s Office.
Ferguson's consumer protection lawsuit against Federal Way Discount Guns led to this opportunity for funding gun violence prevention initiatives. The investigation revealed that between July 1, 2022—when the law took effect—and December 2022, Federal Way Discount Guns sold 3,625 unlawful high-capacity magazines.
In April 2023, a King County judge ruled that Federal Way Discount Guns had broken the law. Consequently, Federal Way Discount Guns paid $3 million to the Attorney General’s Office. Funds not utilized by local law enforcement will cover costs related to investigating and litigating this case and future enforcement efforts.