These WA Democrats disagree on what to do about military-style guns

Kim Malcolm talks with state Sen. Kevin Ranker (D-Orcas Island) about why he's co-sponsoring a bill that would raise the age requirements to purchase military-style weapons from 18 to 21. Malcolm also talks with state Sen. Tim Sheldon (D-Potlatch) about why he's opposed to the bill.

Interview highlights

Why do you believe raising the purchase age of these guns to 21 is going to save lives?

We have seen time and time again in these horrific shootings around the nation — and frankly around the globe — that often it's younger people, who are maybe unstable, who are acquiring these weapons and causing incredible harm.

What we know is that in raising the age that is one way to deter or to stop this violence from happening. It’s shocking to me that someone at the age of 18 cannot purchase a handgun, yet it’s easy for them to purchase an assault rifle that can kill dozens of people in seconds.

We have some serious flaws in our current legislation and laws regarding guns. We need to get out in front of this.

What do you say to the people who believe their Second Amendment rights are being eroded?

I don't believe our forefathers ever meant for people to have access to military style weapons.

I'm totally supportive of people to go out hunting. For the most part, people do not hunt with an AK-47 or an AR-15.

This is not about taking away all of your guns. What this is about is making sure that we have safe schools, safe communities, and that the wrong people don't have access to military-grade weapons.

What have you been hearing from your constituents about gun violence?

My constituents are frankly horrified — particularly parents and grandparents. When a parent is worried about their elementary school child going to school, when they question whether or not their school is safe, when our children are having to go through active shooter training, there is a problem.

And the worst part, right now, is that it's starting to become the norm.

That is really scary. It is scary that we're becoming desensitized to this sort of incredible violence. We should all wake up and pay attention to what's going on and what a serious impact it's having on our society.

Why don’t you support the bill to raise the purchase age of military style guns from 18 to 21?

You can serve in the military at the age of 18. You can vote at the age of 18.

Certainly, in my district, many people are responsible firearm owners. They learned that growing up — they're not afraid of firearms and know how to handle them responsibly.

So I think part of the answer is not with these bills that are infringing on the Second Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America, but more emphasis on school security and responses by law enforcement, or responses inside the building.

What have you been hearing from your constituents?

I'm hearing more from people who feel that that this is a slippery slope for confiscation and really something that is to be very concerned about.

You can't just take a look at the Second Amendment and say, "I don't like it and I'm going to attack it." You need a constitutional amendment and a change in the United States Constitution to implement some of these things.