Backers of a ballot measure that would create a pathway for family members to prevent someone considered a risk from possessing a firearm will be in Vancouver this week.
The measure, Initiative 1491, would allow the police or a concerned household member to petition a judge to determine whether a mental illness or the threat of danger to others or themselves should prevent the person in question from being temporarily unable to have firearms.
“It’s a lifesaving tool that families will have to prevent their loved ones who are in crisis from escalating it to a tragedy,” said Dujie Tahat, with the campaign.
Proponents of the measure believe “family members and law enforcement are often in the best position to see the warning signs of violence, by creating extreme risk protection orders,” according to a statement from the campaign.
At noon Thursday, campaign supporters will be at the corner of Northeast 109th Avenue and 75th Street in Vancouver to highlight their cause. Vancouver Mayor Tim Leavitt is expected to attend.
The press conference will be held near the site of a recent shooting in a Five Corners home in Clark County. The shooter had a history of abusing his wife. He is currently charged with first-degree murder and first-degree assault.
“This is the type of tragedy Initiative 1491 could help prevent,” according to the campaign.
Rep. Lynda Wilson, R-Vancouver, a vocal advocate for gun rights, is worried about the repercussions of the measure.
“I support greater protections for victims from violent abusers,” Wilson wrote in an email. “However, this is a poorly written initiative that I can see will lead to abuse due to the lack of due process and broad definitions. Another case where the issue should be fully vetted and scrutinized by the legislature to make sure it gets done, and done right.”
The Alliance for Gun Responsibility also backed a measure in 2014, which was approved by voters, expanding background checks to the sales and transfer of guns.
