Rep. Jessyn Farrell speaks on threat against Seattle mosque

Representative Jessyn Farrell (D-46) released the following statement after police arrested a man who allegedly made threats against a Seattle mosque.

“I strongly condemn the actions of this man who threatened violence towards a mosque in my district. All of us should be able to worship as we choose (should we choose to) in peace. This is yet another reminder that we must pass responsible gun safety laws in our state. 

“It is not enough to condemn hate and violence, we need to take action. That is why I have supported common-sense legislative attempts to reduce gun violence. I supported legislation to require universal background checks for gun purchases, which have been law in Washington since Initiative 594 passed in 2014. Expanded background checks improved our system but there is still more to do to keep guns out of dangerous hands. 

“I continue to support measures such as House Bill 2461, which would have given families and law enforcement the ability to help loved ones who might turn to gun violence. Additionally, we need to encourage safe storage of firearms. That’s why I advocated for House Bill 1747, the Child Access Prevention bill to protect children from accessing firearms. Unfortunately, neither of these bills passed out of legislature. 

“I am hopeful that the horrific act this week in Orlando will finally be the turning point for us all to come together and demand policy changes to reduce gun violence and threats in our communities and around the country.”

The 46th state legislative district includes part of King County and the city of Seattle, Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and Lake City.