Washington State creates new 'firearm safety' agency

OLYMPIA – The Office of Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention was launched on March 25 to address community gun violence.

It is part of the Department of Commerce and is a “statewide effort to coordinate evidence-based intervention and prevention strategies.”

“The office’s work will be directed at the highest risk populations of perpetrators and victims in the highest risk communities,” stated Penny Thomas, a representative of the department of commerce. “The office will focus on community gun violence disproportionately impacting communities of color.”

The office opened with an annual budget...