Tagged: gun control

The debate over guns moved ahead in Washington, D.C., this week as President Obama called on Congress to strengthen America’s gun laws. In Seattle, officials are aiming to get illegal guns off the street by holding a buyback. Do buybacks work? We talk with King County Executive Dow Constantine about the push to reduce gun violence. Plus, the saga of the Sacramento Kings basketball team continues. Will they or won’t they come to Seattle? King County’s Executive Dow Constantine joins us. Have a question? Email us at weekday@kuow.org.

President Obama asked congress to pass new gun control legislation earlier today calling for tougher penalties for anyone who buys guns intending to sell them to criminals, universal background checks for firearms purchases, and a 10-round limit for gun magazines and a ban on military style assault weapons.

How will Washington state Republicans react to the president's call? Ross Reynolds talks with public affairs consultant and former chair of the state Republican Party, Chris Vance.

Former Arizona Representative Gabrielle Giffords and her husband, former Astronaut Mark Kelly, are launching a new gun control group.  Their specific proposals to combat gun violence include comprehensive background checks for private sales and stricter controls on high-capacity magazines and assault weapons. 

What do you think? Is gun control the answer?  Ross Reynolds talks with UCLA law professor Adam Winkler, Second Amendment Foundation spokesman Dave Workman, and Washington Cease Fire executive director Beth Flynn about the latest push for further gun control.

Seattle and King County officials today announced the city’s first gun buyback program in 20 years. The goal is to reduce gun violence, both intentional and accidental.