Gun shop lawsuit funds awarded to Langley

The Langley Police Department has received a sizeable grant to promote gun safety.

The Langley Police Department has received a sizeable grant to promote gun safety.

Last week, the Washington State Attorney General’s Office announced the award of nearly $2 million for 12 local law enforcement agencies, including the Village by the Sea.

“We are investing this money in communities to help law enforcement prevent gun violence,” Attorney General Bob Ferguson said in a press release. “Their efforts will improve public safety across Washington.”

The funds come from a lawsuit enforcing the state’s ban on the sale of high-capacity magazines. According to the press release, Ferguson’s investigation into Federal Way Discount Guns found that the retailer sold 3,625 unlawful high-capacity magazines between July 1, 2022 — when the law went into effect — and December 2022.

As a result, Langley received $75,000 for firearms systems updates. Police Chief Tavier Wasser said the funds will be used for a system upgrade to ensure the police department has the necessary capacity and safety measures in place to handle and collect firearms when required.

“We are grateful to have received funds designated for the securing, storage, destruction or surrendering of firearms,” he said.

Wasser shared the good news with the city council Monday night.

“I will say that it doesn’t fix our financial issues in the slightest, but it does keep us up to date on how to safely store those, so it’s a great improvement,” he said.