Washington lawmaker proposes two-strike policy for juvenile gun crimes

Washington State Representative David Hackney is proposing a ‘two-strike’ policy to reform how the justice system handles juvenile firearm offenders. The proposal seeks to increase accountability for minors caught with guns, suggesting that a second offense should lead to formal criminal charges and potential jail time rather than community diversion programs.

Under current Washington law, juveniles can be diverted into community programs for up to four minor firearm offenses before facing formal criminal charges. Hackney argues this system allows young offenders to cycle through the community without adequate supervision, often leading to more severe violence. He noted that a second offense indicates a pattern that poses a danger to the individual and the public.

The push for legislative change follows a fatal mass shooting at the Seattle Center during the ‘Bite of Seattle’ celebration, which left three people dead. The suspect in custody following that incident was 15 years old and allegedly armed with a ‘ghost gun.’ Reports indicate that another individual involved in the shooting had been previously charged with a firearm violation but faced no significant consequences, allegedly returning home and acquiring another weapon.