Some Washington judges arent ordering accused abusers to surrender guns

The Washington Court of Appeals has ruled that the state's firearm surrender law is constitutional, dismissing Brandon Montesi's claims that it infringes on his rights. Montesi's ex-wife accused him of violent threats, prompting a court order for him to surrender his firearms, which included an AR-15 and various other weapons. The ruling challenges the earlier Flannery decision, which had limited courts' ability to enforce firearm surrenders in domestic violence cases. Advocates for victims are hopeful this decision will lead to stricter enforcement of firearm surrender laws by judges across Washington. However, a recent poll indicated that many superior courts, including those in Pierce County, remain hesitant to issue such orders.

Cowlitz County Superior Court has recently resumed issuing orders on a case-by-case basis. The Montesi ruling highlights ongoing tensions between judicial interpretations of gun laws and the need to protect victims of domestic violence. Advocates argue that the legal system must adapt to prioritize victim safety and accountability.