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The Today File

Your guide to the latest news from around the Northwest

January 16, 2013 at 5:57 AM

Seattle mayor in D.C. for Obama’s gun legislation announcement

Mayor Mike McGinn is expected to be in the audience Wednesday in Washington D.C. when President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden announce proposed legislation to reduce gun violence.

McGinn, who is in the nation’s capitol for the annual U.S. Conference of Mayors, was invited to attend the President’s press conference, said McGinn spokesman Aaron Pickus.

McGinn has been frustrated by the city’s inability to enact stricter gun laws. Washington courts have struck down Seattle’s attempts to ban firearms in parks and community centers, saying state law preempts local measures. Last week, McGinn joined King County Executive Dow Constantine and four former mayors in announcing a gun buyback program funded by private donations.

Obama is expected to propose a ban on assault weapons and background checks for all gun buyers as part of a package of proposals in response to the Connecticut school shooting last month.

The news conference will also be attended by children who wrote to the president about gun violence and school safety, according to a news release.

Comments | More in General news, Government | Topics: Biden, gun legislation, Mike McGinn

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The Today File is a general news blog featuring real-time coverage of Seattle and the Northwest. It is reported by the news staff of The Seattle Times and edited by Assistant Metro Editor Nick Provenza.

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