Washington Gun Store Fined $3 Million for Unlawful Sale of High-Capacity Ammo Magazines
A suburban Seattle gun shop and its former owner have agreed to a $3 million settlement after being found in violation of Washington state law for selling high-capacity ammunition magazines.
Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced the settlement with Federal Way Discount Guns and Mohammed Baghai following a lawsuit filed by the state.
Judge Rules Against Store for Selling Banned Magazines
Last year, a King County judge ruled that the store and its former owner had breached Washington’s Consumer Protection Act by continuing to sell magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition, despite a state ban that came into effect in 2022.
According to Ferguson, Federal Way Discount Guns and Baghai sold thousands of these prohibited magazines even after legal action had been initiated by the state.
The attorney general condemned the actions as egregious and brazen, emphasizing the importance of holding accountable those who flout laws designed to prevent mass shootings.
“Federal Way Discount Guns chose to violate a critical law aimed at combating mass shootings,” stated Ferguson.
“Washington businesses are following the law and stopped selling high-capacity magazines. This resolution provides accountability for someone who flagrantly violated the law.”
Attempts to obtain comments from Federal Way Discount Guns and Baghai were unsuccessful, with both declining to speak to reporters.
The store has since been sold to Baghai’s son, Andrew, as confirmed by the attorney general’s office.
Washington Lawsuit Over High-Capacity Magazine
In response to the lawsuit, the store’s website launched a fundraising campaign to defend against legal actions, portraying the settlement as an attack on Second Amendment rights.
Since July 2022, Washington state law has prohibited the manufacture, distribution, sale, or offering for sale of gun magazines holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition, with limited exceptions.
Proponents of the legislation argue that such measures could potentially mitigate the impact of mass shootings by providing opportunities for individuals to escape or intervene during reloads.
The case involving Federal Way Discount Guns marks the first lawsuit filed by the attorney general’s office over violations of the high-capacity magazine ban.
Another lawsuit against Gator’s Custom Guns, based in Kelso, Washington, remains ongoing. Previously, Lakewood retailer WGS Guns faced a penalty of $15,000 for similar violations in 2022.
Under the terms of Tuesday’s consent decree, Federal Way Discount Guns and Baghai have agreed to pay $3 million, with a portion allocated to cover the state’s litigation expenses and the remainder directed towards local law enforcement efforts aimed at reducing gun violence.
