Seattle Mayor Mike Mc Ginn and Washington CeaseFire this week rolled out their Gun Free Zone plan, urging businesses to ban guns from their premises and put a sign in their window touting their gun free status (see nearby). See my post about it here. 

Washington CeaseFire admits, in fact, the effort is merely an attempt “change the discussion” (e.g. demonize guns) by ganging up on legal gun owners. 

When business owners sign the Washington CeaseFire pledge they are told, 

We recognize that gun violence is a significant public health issue and that the presence of a gun can quickly escalate an altercation into a lethal event. We are proud to participate in Seattle’s Gun Free Zone program, with the goal of keeping our patrons as safe as possible. Firearms of all types in the possession of civilians, including those with concealed weapons permits, will not be allowed on our premises. *

Firearms of all types in the possession of civilians, including those with concealed weapons permits, will not be allowed on our premises. *

They seem resolute about not allowing “firearms of all types” including those carried by “concealed weapons” holders to come inside their businesses. But, considering the weapon is concealed, how would the business owner know?

The City has now irrationally put legal gun owners in the same category as pimps, prostitutes, gang bangers and drug dealers. And they appear to blame legal gun owners for gun violence. From their statement,

We recognize that gun violence is a significant public health issue and that the presence of a gun can quickly escalate an altercation into a lethal event. 

In their Frequently Asked Questions, Washington Ceasefire encourages business owners to call the police if a gun owner walks in,

What do I do if a civilian enters my property with a gun? 

If you feel comfortable, you can ask if they saw your sign, but use your better judgment.  In general, you should call the police. The property owner or a representative must be present to direct police to remove someone from the property.

Washington CeaseFire continues to misstate the number of gun deaths, as King 5 News pointed out , 

Washington CeaseFire says in King County alone, more people die every year from gun violence than from motor vehicle collisions, and between 2007 and 2011, the estimated annual cost of firearms deaths and hospitalizations in King County was $177 million.

However, a check of the most recent report from the King County Medical Examiner’s Office finds that there were actually more traffic-related deaths between 2002 and 2011. The combined number of gun-related homicides, suicides and accidental shootings was 1,455 as compared to 1,770 traffic-related deaths.

Finally, the FAQ also includes this noteworthy observation,

Is it legal for private businesses to prohibit guns on their property?

In general, yes, private property owners may establish reasonable rules and conditions for people who wish to enter or remain upon the property.  This may include a rule prohibiting civilians from carrying firearms on the premises. [emph added]

 “In general”? It shouldn’t take more than a few Second Amendment lawyers no time at all to figure out what that means. Good luck, Seattle. And good luck, legal gun owners, you’ve now been turned into a criminal in Seattle.