Video Highlights
- Washington State Association of Chiefs of Police and Sheriffs released data on homicide and violent crime numbers in Washington state.
- The data shows an all-time high of 394 homicides in 2022.
- Gun control measures implemented in the state have not reduced violent crime.
- Graphs show a correlation between the increase in homicides and a decrease in the number of police officers.
- Handguns are the most commonly used firearms in violent crimes.
- Semi-automatic rifles were used in only 7 homicides, disproportional to the ban implemented.
- There were no crimes committed with automatic firearms.
Video Summary
Welcome to Washington Gun Law TV, where the President of Washington Gun Law, William Kirk, discusses the recent data released by the Washington State Association of Chiefs of Police and Sheriffs on homicide and violent crime numbers in Washington state.
The data reveals that Washington state set a new record in 2022 with 394 homicides, the highest number ever recorded. This alarming increase in homicides has occurred despite the implementation of several gun control measures in recent years.
Kirk highlights several legislative initiatives, such as Initiative 594, which aimed to close the Gun Show loophole, and Initiative 1639, which introduced new safety features and mandatory education. He also mentions Senate Bill 5078, which implemented a standard capacity magazine ban, and House Bill 1240, which codified Washington's assault weapon ban.
However, Kirk argues that these measures have not made communities safer, as evidenced by the record high number of homicides. He points out a correlation between the increase in homicides and a decrease in the number of police officers in Washington state. When graphed together, the data reveals a significant uptick in homicides starting around 2019, the same time when gun control measures were being implemented.
Kirk suggests that this correlation indicates a deliberate effort to make communities less safe and then use the resulting increase in violent crime as a justification for further disarmament. He criticizes politicians like Liz Berry for prioritizing grades from gun control advocacy groups over actually making communities safer.
To support his argument, Kirk discusses the types of firearms used in violent crimes. According to the data, handguns are the most commonly used firearms, being involved in 146 homicides, 3 negligent homicides, and 39 rapes. In contrast, rifles, including semi-automatic rifles, were only used in 7 homicides and 279 violent crimes. Kirk emphasizes that there is no evidence to suggest that any of these homicides involved a semi-automatic rifle.
Furthermore, Kirk highlights that there were no crimes committed with automatic firearms and only 56 crimes committed with automatic handguns, which are likely regular handguns modified illegally.
In conclusion, Kirk asserts that Washington state is becoming increasingly dangerous, primarily due to the deliberate actions of politicians in Olympia. He argues that these politicians are pushing an agenda to defund police departments, make communities less safe, and then use the resulting increase in violent crime to strip away citizens' Second Amendment rights.
Kirk encourages viewers to reach out to Washington Gun Law for more information on these concerning statistics and to stay informed about their Second Amendment rights. He also emphasizes the importance of being a lawful and responsible gun owner by knowing and understanding the law in every situation.
