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Dispatches from public radio's correspondent at the Washington Legislature. Austin Jenkins is the Olympia correspondent for the Northwest News Network. You can also see Austin on television as host of TVW's (the C–SPAN of Washington State) weekly public affairs program "Inside Olympia."

Washington Governor Calls Mass Shootings 'National Scourge'

Austin Jenkins
/
Northwest News Network files
File photo. Washington Governor Jay Inslee called mass shootings a ''national scourge.''

“A profound sense of loss.”

Those are the words Washington Governor Jay Inslee used to describe the shooting at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon.

The Democrat made his comments Thursday at the Capitol. He added that mass shootings are a “national scourge.”

“The fact that such an advanced country technologically, culturally, democratically has this absurd rate of gun violence is just totally unacceptable,” Inslee said. “And I have been willing to help move the needle on this.”

Inslee said he does not have a specific policy proposal in mind. However, he mentioned his past support for expanded background checks and a federal ban on assault weapons.

Since January 2004, Austin Jenkins has been the Olympia-based political reporter for the Northwest News Network. In that position, Austin covers Northwest politics and public policy, as well as the Washington State Legislature. You can also see Austin on television as host of TVW's (the C–SPAN of Washington State) Emmy-nominated public affairs program "Inside Olympia."