Gov. Inslee to Take Action on Gun Violence

BURIEN (AP) — Washington Gov. Jay Inslee says he plans to take executive action to curb gun violence.

In an announcement Wednesday, the Democrat said his efforts will focus on suicide prevention and research into gun injuries and deaths in the state.

He said his announcement was inspired in part by President Barack Obama's gun initiative announced earlier in the week.

The president plans to take executive action to tighten control and enforcement of firearms in the U.S. Obama's plan creates a more sweeping definition of gun dealers that the administration hopes will expand the number of sales subject to background checks.

Washington state already has expanded background checks to include online sales and purchases made at gun shows as a result of a 2014 voter-approved ballot measure.