AIRWAY HEIGHTS, Wash. – Victims of gun violence often face ongoing trauma long after the initial incident. In smaller communities, connecting these individuals with necessary resources can be challenging.
The state of Washington is addressing this issue by using funds from a legal judgment to help offset costs for victim support. The judgment is tied to a King County case where Federal Way Discount Guns agreed to a settlement after being accused of selling thousands of high-capacity magazines, which are illegal under state law.
More than half a million dollars from this settlement are being allocated to Airway Heights.
The Airway Heights Police Department is one of 12 departments across the state to receive funding aimed at combating violence. The $545,000 they are receiving is the largest allocation in Washington.
Police Chief Brad Richmond shared that this two-year grant will be used to support a new victim’s advocacy program within the department. Richmond stated, “It will be new for the department – but will be modeled after a successful program underway at another agency.”
This initiative aims to provide crucial support for victims in the community, ensuring they receive the help they need in the aftermath of violence.
