NRA sues Seattle over 'gun violence tax', says it violates state law

SEATTLE -- The National Riffle Association is suing the city of Seattle over its new "gun violence tax."

The lawsuit filled Monday morning in King County accuses the city of violating the state's Constitution.

Earlier this month, the city adopted the law to add a $25 fee to the purchase price of all firearms, saying it is a way to raise money to improve gun safety. But there’s a little problem.

It’s called the Washington State Preemption statute, which has been on the books since 1983. It calls for all gun laws to be dictated by the state.

The Second Amendment Foundation and the NRA say this is a loaded law aimed at gun shops and their customers.

“There's nothing in the state law that authorizes the city from establishing a special tax on firearms and ammunition; it's not there, so it's not allowed,” Second Amendment Foundation spokesman Dave Workman said outside his Bellevue office Monday.

“The law-abiding citizens, the ones who wouldn't commit crimes, are paying for the crimes that are committed by people who break the gun laws anyway.”

The NRA, the Second Amendment Foundation and the National Shooting Sports Foundation joined forces to file the lawsuit -- the first time this has happened in history.

The organizations behind the lawsuit are hoping to stop the law before it takes effect January 1.

The city says this gun tax falls within their taxing authority.