Latest news with #BobFerguson
Axios
5 days ago
- Politics
- Axios
How Washington state's new gun permit law will work
Washington residents will need a permit to buy guns starting in 2027 — a change expected to affect thousands of potential buyers each year. Why it matters: Supporters say the law will boost public safety by helping keep guns out of the wrong hands. Opponents argue it infringes on Washingtonians' constitutional gun rights. State of play: Washington is the 13th U.S. state to approve a permit-to-purchase system for firearms, according to the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions. Gov. Bob Ferguson signed the legislation into law in May. What's inside: The new law will require people to get fingerprinted and complete a gun safety course with live-fire training before they can get a permit to buy a firearm. They will also have to submit a fee and application to the Washington State Patrol. Exceptions to the training requirement will be made for police officers and military members, as well as licensed private investigators and security guards who carry firearms. Once granted, a permit will be good for five years. What they're saying: Studies have found that states with similar gun-licensing laws have lower rates of gun violence, the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions says. In particular, requiring people to get their fingerprints taken as part of the permitting process can cut down on "straw purchases," in which one person buys a firearm for someone else who can't legally own one, Renée Hopkins, CEO of the Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility, told Axios. Hopkins said the training requirements also promote safer gun handling, reducing the risks involved in having a gun at home. By the numbers: The State Patrol expects to receive about 200,000 permit applications the first year the law is fully implemented, and roughly 100,000 yearly after that. The other side: " This is the state government telling gun owners, you've got to get our permission to exercise your civil right — and that's not going to pass the smell test" in the courts, Dave Workman, editor-in-chief of TheGunMag, a publication of the Bellevue-based Second Amendment Foundation, told Axios. The fine print: Under the law, starting May 1, 2027, gun dealers in Washington won't be able to sell a firearm to someone unless the buyer has a valid purchasing permit. The State Patrol will certify which firearms courses meet the training requirements. (They must involve firing at least 50 rounds of ammunition.) Once the training has been completed, the State Patrol must approve applications unless the person is restricted from owning a firearm for another reason, like having an outstanding arrest warrant or being subject to a no-contact order. Permits will be revoked if a person later becomes prohibited from owning a firearm, such as through a new criminal conviction or a court order.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
WA's elected officials urge for peace in preparation of Seattle protest
The Brief Anti-Trump protests are planned throughout Seattle on Saturday. Elected leaders are urging protesters to remain peaceful. Seattle Police have already arrested eight people this week in previous protests. SEATTLE, Wash. - On Friday, a who's who of elected leaders spoke to the community during a press conference saying they stand with protesters' rights to freedom of speech, but do not want to see any violence. A massive nationwide anti-Trump movement is scheduled for Saturday. The "No Kings" day protest coincides with President Trump's birthday. There are hundreds of events scheduled across the country, including dozens in western Washington. The protests are also on the same day as several large events in Seattle, including the University of Washington graduation and a Mariners game. Seattle Police have already arrested eight people at an anti-ICE protest earlier in the week. That protest left the Seattle Federal building defaced with anti-Trump, ICE, and government graffiti. "I support, to put it mildly, the right of people to have their voices heard," said Washington Governor Bob Ferguson. "I have, like I suspect the people behind me, attended many protests myself," he added. Ferguson was joined by U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, King County Executive Shannon Braddock, Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards, and several other speakers. Each elected leader had a similar message, standing in support of protesters, but not with violence or destruction. "Don't give Donald Trump an excuse to try to federalize the National Guard here in Washington state like he did in California. He wants to be able to say we cannot handle our own public safety issues here in Washington State," said Ferguson. Over the last few weeks, Seattle has gotten the attention of the Trump administration following a protest on the University of Washington's campus that reportedly caused more than $1 million in damage, as well as violent clashes during protests between Conservative Christian protesters and counterprotests. With thousands of extra people in Seattle this weekend, elected leaders hope to avoid any issues that could get more federal involvement in the state. "To all of those planning to demonstrate this weekend. We encourage you to raise your voice against that which you do not agree with and support those who are being wronged, but do not take the bait and confuse destruction for defense," King County Executive Shannon Braddock. For continuous updates on these anticipated protests, tune into the FOX Local App for live coverage all the way through Saturday. The Source Information in this story came from original FOX 13 reporting. Costco to offer early shopping hours for Executive Members. Here's what to know Lone survivor of Air India crash reportedly recalls "loud noise" after takeoff 8 people arrested during anti-ICE protest in Seattle Home of Seattle rapper Macklemore invaded, nanny maced: police WA deputies arrest teens for pistol-whipping boy, armed robberies Cyberattack hits supplier to Whole Foods and PCC; could impact store supplies To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
WA Gov. Ferguson announces new expansions to state's aging ferry system
The Brief Washington's ferry system will expand with two-boat service on the Bremerton-Seattle route starting June 15 and additional vessels for other routes by July. The Wenatchee ferry is set to return in early July, aiding the restoration of full domestic service. Despite budget cuts, $1.3 billion was allocated for new vessels and $40 million for crew support to address the aging fleet. SEATTLE - Expansions to Washington's ferry system aim to right the ship for riders dealing with years of delays and cancellations. On Thursday, Governor Bob Ferguson announced new updates that will impact three routes. He also revealed a possible date for the return of the state's largest vessel back to the water. "This is a milestone for sure to get us back to those pre-pandemic levels and restore that full domestic service," said Ferguson. One of the biggest changes that affects thousands of Washington State Ferry riders happens on Sunday, June 15. The governor said the Bremerton-Seattle route will be permanently restored to a two-boat service for the first time in three years. What they're saying "For too long, commuters traveling to and from Bremerton have had to wait two and a half hours between boats every day," said Ferguson. "By adding this additional vessel, we are cutting that wait time by a full hour, and this expansion is permanent." The two-boat service is a highly anticipated improvement, which Bremerton's mayor, Greg Wheeler, said couldn't come soon enough. "We have faced a crisis in our community due to the ongoing lack of service. Our residents, workforce, businesses, and economy has suffered from ferry disruptions, cancellations, and lack of boats," said Wheeler. "The renewed trust in Washington State Ferry's Bremerton-Seattle route will encourage people to rediscover our community and will stimulate our economy." The governor also announced the state is on track to permanently restore a third boat to the Triangle Route, between West Seattle, Vashon Island, and Southworth on the Kitsap Peninsula. That addition is scheduled for the end of June. Big picture view Starting on July 4, a second boat will service the Port Townsend-Coupeville route for the summer between Friday and Monday. "We have not been able to do this summer expansion on that route for five years. Riders on those routes will have more frequent ferry service, offering flexibility in their travel to work and their appointments," said Ferguson on the Port Townsend-Coupeville route. Ferguson said the expansions are all part of a bigger plan to fully restore domestic service. To do that, he explained, the Wenatchee, the state's largest vessel, must return to the water. The ferry has been out of service since September 2023, undergoing a hybrid electric conversion. With just a few more weeks of tests by engineers and technicians, Ferguson said the Wenatchee could sail again as soon as the first week of July. "At that point, we'll have 21 vessels in total, which will allow us to have 18 boats in the water at any one time. So, that allows us to restore full electric service for the first time since 2019," said Ferguson. The governor further explained it is a routine process to have 18 vessels on the water while three vessels receive maintenance. All the new, welcomed updates come as the governor acknowledged the significant cuts to the state's transportation budget. Recognizing there is more work to do in restoring the aging ferry system, he highlighted the approved budget investments that will make a difference now. "$1.3 billion for new vessels to replace part of our aging fleet. And, approximately $40 million for crew hiring, retention, and training, which is equally important. We need to have the vessels, but also part of the challenges we had was the challenges on the workforce," said Ferguson. Focused on long-term goals, the governor said he and other state officials are reviewing several bids for new vessels. Ferguson said he would publicly announce that decision soon, though he did not specify a date. He said the state is also looking at lease-to-purchase options to get more ferries on the water. "I think that's what it's going to take moving forward, is making sure we're doing everything we can to treat this as the crisis that it has been," said Ferguson. "Our fleet is aging. So, we have more work to do." The Source Information in this story comes from original reporting by FOX 13 Seattle reporter Franque Thompson. Seattle traffic to be impacted from upcoming protests Authorities shift tactics in search for WA triple murder suspect Travis Decker Manhunt for Travis Decker moves to WA's Kittitas County Anti-Trump 'NO KINGS' protests planned for Seattle this weekend Seattle police disperse 'ICE OUT' protesters after fire breaks out downtown Everything you need to know about Seattle Pride Parade 2025 Things to do for Father's Day in Seattle To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
State and local leaders on high alert for more protests over the weekend
Protests got chaotic in downtown Seattle Wednesday night during an anti-ICE protest that started at Cal Anderson Park as hundreds marched from the park to the footsteps of the Federal Building off of 2nd Avenue and Madison to voice their frustrations about how ICE has operated during the Trump administration and what is going on in Los Angeles. Seattle Police arrested 8 people as they tried to disperse the crowd after fireworks were thrown and dumpsters were lit on fire. 'These are challenging situations, right? Folks have the right to protest, but when things turn violent or folks are violating the law, there's going to be consequences,' Governor Bob Ferguson said. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell shared this statement about the arrests: 'We have heard rumors and media reports regarding ICE raids in Seattle today or this week, and are in close contact with the Governor's Office, the Attorney General's office, and King County to ensure a coordinated response. At this time, the City has not received actual notice of ICE activity from the Trump administration or DHS. The Trump administration's actions in Los Angeles are an extreme and egregious overreach of federal authority meant to escalate tensions and distract from his failures to live up to the promises he hasn't delivered on. We disagree with Trump's ICE policy of mass deportations that has already been on full display in American communities with arrests, detentions, and deportations often occurring in violation of due process. Seattle strongly supports the First Amendment rights of our residents, and we encourage residents to stand up for their values peacefully. There is no room for violence. Violence and property damage are exactly what Trump wants to spin his false narrative of our city. My administration is working closely with SPD to ensure adequate preparations and staffing for any demonstrations.' – Mayor Bruce Harrell And with more protests planned in Seattle and other cities in Washington, both sides of the aisle are worried things could get intense. 'I am concerned that one will be a little more violent. A little more dangerous and someone may get hurt there,' GOP Chairman Jim Walsh said. Governor Bob Ferguson says he has had conversations with the National Guard in Washington State if it does call for their assistance. Ferguson did say during a press conference in Seattle on Thursday given what President Trump did in California, he is concerned the same could happen to the Evergreen State. 'Oh, I absolutely have deep concerns that the decision that Donald Trump made in California could be replicated here,' Governor Ferguson said. 'By the way, his actions only served to escalate the situation in California. And we believe it's illegal,' he continued. GOP Chairman Walsh disagrees and claims that under federal law, the president can deploy the National Guard with or without the cooperation of the local governor. 'Now you may not like it. You may not like this president, but to say that what he is doing in California and what he might do up here if there are violent riots, to call that illegal is just wrong,' Walsh said. Although Republicans and Democrats disagree on the approach of these protests, they hope that whatever happens this weekend that things remain peaceful. 'And peacefully non-comply with government law or actions that they find morally objectionable. So we have to protect that right,' Walsh said. 'Anything that is not peaceful and violates the law and is violent only does one thing: it plays into Donald Trump's hands,' Governor Ferguson said. Governor Ferguson and Mayor Harrell's Office have alluded to a potential press conference on the game plan heading into the weekend protests. Stay with KIRO7 as we continue to monitor the situation.
Fox News
11-06-2025
- Fox News
Father who allegedly killed his three daughters possibly spotted hiding in remote wilderness by hikers
The manhunt for the missing Washington father accused of killing his three daughters has authorities closing in on an area where he is believed to be hiding. Law enforcement searching for Travis Decker began zeroing in on the Ingalls Creek and Valley High areas late Monday night after receiving a tip from a group of hikers regarding an individual along a nearby trail that appeared evasive and unprepared, according to the Chelan County Sheriff's Office (CCSO). "Our office recently received a tip from a hiking party who stated they spotted a lone hiker in the Enchantments area who appeared to be ill-prepared for trail and weather conditions, and appeared to be avoiding others," the sheriff's office said in a press release. Authorities subsequently acted on the tip and "spotted a lone, off-trail hiker from a helicopter near Colchuck Lake who ran from sight as the helicopter passed," CCSO said. Search teams were able to establish a trail and deploy K9s throughout the area, leading them to Ingalls Creek. The wooded area is located approximately 30 miles from Rock Island Campground, where the bodies of Decker's three daughters—Paityn, 9; Evelyn, 8; and Olivia, 5—were discovered three days after they did not return to their mother following a court-approved visit with Decker. The new lead comes after the CCSO handed the search for Decker over to the U.S. Border Patrol, with the department remaining in command of the criminal investigation. Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson also deployed the state's national guard to aid law enforcement by providing helicopter transportation as officials continue to comb through the state's dense wooded areas. "We had reached a point where we need to rest our local resources," the sheriff's office said in a statement. "Our command staff continues to be engaged with the search command while we give our teams time off to rest and recuperate and be ready to rejoin the search for, and capture of, the suspect." On Monday, officials discovered a "large amount of evidence" from the father's abandoned GMC pickup truck, including blood samples tracing back to Decker and various personal items, according to the sheriff's department. Decker's dog was also found with the vehicle and subsequently placed in the care of the local humane society. The announcement regarding the evidence came on the same day the CCSO coroner's office confirmed the three girls' cause of death was suffocation, ultimately ruling the case a homicide. Prosecutors formally charged Decker with aggravated first-degree murder and kidnapping last week. Authorities allege Decker, an experienced survivalist and former member of the U.S. military, killed his three daughters before disappearing into the wilderness. The girls were found with plastic bags over their heads and bound wrists at a local campground last week. GET REAL-TIME UPDATES DIRECTLY ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB Decker's ex-wife, Whitney Decker, 35, told police Decker suffers from mental health issues – including borderline personality disorder – but had always returned the couple's children on time following a visit, according to a CCSO affidavit. Decker is described as standing approximately 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighing about 190 pounds. Authorities are offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to Decker's arrest and have indicated he is considered to be armed and dangerous. If convicted, Decker could face a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
