I am heartbroken and angry at the tragedy that unfolded yesterday in Texas. Gun violence is a scourge on America, and it is unacceptable to sit back and pretend there is nothing we can do about it.

That’s why I proposed banning the sale and manufacture of high-capacity magazines every legislative session for the past six years. This year, the legislature finally adopted my proposal. It’s an important victory for public safety — but it took far too long.

High-capacity magazines, like those used in Texas yesterday, make deadly weapons even more dangerous.

Every Republican in the Washington State Legislature voted against my proposal to ban the sale of high-capacity magazines. Every. Single. One.

In the aftermath of yesterday’s tragedy, let’s rededicate ourselves to working on further common sense gun reforms. I will once again be proposing to ban the sale of assault weapons, like the AR-15 used yesterday in Texas, to the legislature next session.

I will keep you updated on this important work.

Thank you,

Bob