In a landmark case for gun control enforcement, Federal Way Discount Guns, along with its former owner, Mohammed Baghai, has been ordered to pay a staggering $3 million for the illegal sale of high-capacity magazines. This case represents a significant moment in the ongoing debate and legislative efforts surrounding gun control within Washington state and potentially sets a precedent for similar cases nationwide.
Washington’s Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced the settlement, which underscores the state’s commitment to enforcing its gun control laws rigorously. The controversy centers around the sale of over 3,625 high-capacity magazines, capable of holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition, a practice that has been illegal under Washington state law since July 2022. This law aims to curb the potential for mass shootings by limiting the availability of high-capacity ammunition.
The consent decree, finalized in King County Superior Court, not only imposes a hefty financial penalty on the gun store and its former owner but also includes a permanent injunction against the sale, distribution, or facilitation of high-capacity magazines by the store, its owner, or its employees. The settlement requires the $3 million payment to be made within 30 days, with $1 million allocated to cover the costs of litigation and the remaining $2 million directed towards local law enforcement agencies to support gun violence reduction efforts.