We Fought for Safer Communities and Won
NAACP - AOWSACGun violence continues to devastate Black and marginalized communities across Washington and the nation. That’s why the NAACP Alaska Oregon Washington State Area Conference took legal action, and won. In a major court victory, we helped uphold Washington’s ban on high-capacity gun magazines, reinforcing a life-saving law and protecting communities that are far too often ignored in policy decisions.
Earlier this year, a lower court ruled that Washington’s law banning large-capacity magazines was unconstitutional. But thanks to an amicus brief filed by our Legal Redress Chair, Tom Ahearne, the Washington Supreme Court reversed that decision, keeping the state’s protections in place.
“You are a part of history again.”
— President Sheley Secrest
This case was never just about legal definitions. It was about the reality on the ground, the people most affected by gun violence, and the role that high-capacity magazines play in mass shootings and everyday tragedies alike.
Legal Strategy Grounded in Lived Experience
The challenge to Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5078 came from a gun dealer, Gator’s Custom Guns, who argued that the law violated the constitutional right to bear arms. But our brief brought the human cost of that argument into focus.
Unlike the technical filings from other parties, our submission told the truth:
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Large-capacity magazines are not used in typical self-defense
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They are not protected “arms” under the Constitution
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Their presence escalates violence, especially in underserved communities
We reminded the Court that since 2009, all ten of the deadliest mass shootings in America involved these types of magazines. Limiting access to them isn’t a theoretical debate, it’s a matter of life and death.
The Court agreed. The law stands. Our communities are safer.
This Is What NAACP Legal Advocacy Looks Like
This win is a reminder that advocacy doesn’t end with a march or a petition. It continues in courtrooms, where voices like ours must be heard.
We’re proud that our Alaska Oregon Washington State Area Conference played a central role in this victory. We’re even prouder that our approach was different: grounded in real people, not just legal theory.
If you believe in protecting lives, especially in communities historically left out of legal protections, this is your win too.
Want to Learn More?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an amicus brief?
An amicus brief is a legal argument submitted by a party not directly involved in the case, offering additional perspectives or evidence for the court to consider.
Why did the NAACP get involved?
Because the stakes are highest in the communities we serve. Gun violence disproportionately affects Black, Indigenous, and other marginalized communities. We stepped in to ensure their voices and safety were prioritized.
What is ESSB 5078?
It’s a Washington State law that bans the manufacture, sale, and distribution of magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition.
What did the court decide?
The Washington Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of ESSB 5078, affirming that large-capacity magazines are not protected under the right to bear arms.
How can I support this work?
Connect with your local NAACP branch. Stay informed. Share this story. And support policies that reduce violence and strengthen justice for all.
