Turnout heavy in opposition to WA ‘assault weapon’ bill

Dave Workman was there and reports about the hearing. Go over and read the whole thing, including the Bellvue Police Chief who showed up in full uniform, but claimed they were only there in a “personal” capacity, and a video of the event.

More than 300 Washington gun owners descended on the John A. Cherberg Building in Olympia Tuesday morning for a hearing on SB 6396, the so-called “assault weapons” ban legislation sponsored by Senate Judiciary Chairman Adam Kline.

Opponents of the bill vastly outnumbered its supporters, and for many in the audience who had traveled several hours to reach the capitol, it was disappointing that Kline allowed only 30 minutes for the hearing, and only a handful of speakers – evenly divided between pro and con – were allowed to speak. The crowd spilled out into the hallway, and at least a couple of auxiliary hearing rooms were jammed.

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Several open carry activists turned out for the event, and they were as well-behaved as they were visibly well-armed. Surprise of surprises; Washington State Patrol troopers who serve as security guards during the legislative session appeared relaxed and not the least bit uncomfortable with those folks.

Jim Williams, a member of the Washington Arms Collectors’ Board of Directors, observed that a lot of people spent a lot of time and money to travel to Olympia for what amounted to a “30-minute show.” It appears the bill may not make it out of committee.

Judging from the strong turnout in opposition, perhaps it never should have been there in the first place.

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