Washington bill proposed to address domestic violent extremism
A proposed commission against violent extremism in the country could make Washington the first to tackle the problem with a public health approach.
OLYMPIA, Wash. – Newly released body-camera footage shows the moments Seattle Police arrested a man for allegedly harassing and threatening Rep. Pramila Jayapal outside her West Seattle home.
Brett Forsell was charged with felony spying. Witnesses said he drove past Jayapal’s home three times, shouting obscenities and threatening to kill her. Court documents said he was armed with a loaded pistol, which can be seen in video released by police.
With threats against elected officials and violent extremism on the rise, the Washington Attorney General’s office wrote a 31-page study with recommendations on how to prevent domestic terrorism. and hate crimes. The study was requested by state legislators like Representative Bill Ramos.
“We are trying to figure out why. Why is it becoming a more serious problem now than before?” Representative Bill Ramos, (D), 5th legislative district said.
The attorney general’s study proposes a commission against violent extremism. A bill to establish it is currently being passed the legislature. If passed, it would make Washington the first state in the nation to target extremism with a public health approach.
“People are just acting with violence, instead of talking about a problem and working towards a solution,” said Representative Ramos.
The Commission will consider solutions to combat misinformation and address early signs of radicalization.
“We wanted to figure out how to stop it before it happened because once there is violence, everyone has to suffer the consequences. “All the individuals involved, all their families, friends, communities are affected,” Ramos said.
According to the Anti-Defamation League, Washington ranks 5th nationally in the level of propaganda about white supremacy. At least 16 people from the state have been charged in connection with the January 6 attack on the US Capitol. Ethan Nordean, from Auburn is currently on trial for conspiracy to rebel.
“We just have to look each other in the face for a bit, see the humanity of everyone and work better together, and even if we disagree, how can we get over it,” Ramos said. that and talk through it instead of having a violent event.
The committee will include representatives from different groups and will return to lawmakers in two years with recommendations.
The bill is currently in committee.
https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/public-safety/washington-pass-approach-addressing-domestic-violent-extremism/281-e27fc5c2-acbb-4312-bdbb-9f6840111531 Washington bill proposed to address domestic violent extremism
