With protests frequently making headlines across the country and here in Seattle, many residents are asking an important and nuanced legal question: Can you legally carry a concealed firearm while participating in a public protest in Washington? The short answer is maybe – but with important exceptions and legal risks.

Understanding Washington’s firearm laws and how they apply to public demonstrations is critical for anyone who is thinking about attending a protest armed.

Washington’s Concealed Carry Rules

Under Washington State law, individuals may carry a concealed handgun in public provided that they have a valid Concealed Pistol License (CPL). Otherwise, carrying a handgun concealed outside of one’s home or place of business is a crime

A CPL is issued by local law enforcement only after a background check and other eligibility criteria are satisfied.

Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry at Protests

In recent years, Washington State has passed laws specifically governing firearms at protests and demonstrations. These include laws on the following:

  • Open Carry Ban Near Protests: State law prohibits the open carry of firearms and other weapons at permitted demonstrations and within 250 feet of their perimeter. This applies statewide.
  • Concealed Carry Is Not Prohibited by that Same Section: Notably, the statute that bans open carry near protests does not include an outright prohibition on concealed firearms carried by license holders. In other words, as of current law, a person with a valid CPL may carry a concealed handgun even while attending or near a permitted demonstration – so long as they remain outside prohibited zones like certain government buildings and comply with all other laws.

This distinction matters, for even though you may not be able to display a firearm at a protest, you may be able to carry it concealed legally if you hold a CPL.

Other Legal and Safety Considerations

Even if you meet statutory requirements to lawfully carry a concealed handgun at a protest, there are important practical and legal risks to consider. These include:

  • Context matters – Brandishing or exhibiting a firearm in a threatening, intimidating, or unsafe manner, even with a CPL, can lead to criminal charges (such as unlawful display or intimidation). This means the way the firearm is carried and your actions during the protest can trigger criminal liability.
  • Law enforcement interaction – Being armed at a protest may increase your chances of encounter with law enforcement, especially during heightened tension or crowd management operations. Errors in how you present a firearm could lead to arrest or use-of-force incidents.
  • Private property and local restrictions – Individual cities, private property owners, transit systems, and special event permits may impose further restrictions on firearms, even concealed ones.

Bottom Line – Know the Law Before You Go

If you are considering attending a protest in Seattle or elsewhere in Washington and think you may want to carry a firearm, ensure you do the following.

  • Obtain a valid CPL before attempting to carry concealed in public.
  • Understand that open carry at protests is banned, and concealed carry does not give you a free pass to display the weapon.
  • Recognize the high legal risk and public safety implications involved. Even lawful concealed carry can lead to serious trouble if law enforcement perceives a threat.

When in doubt, consult with an attorney before attending a protest armed. A tactical decision to bring a firearm into a high-emotion event can quickly transform a peaceful protest into a criminal case.

Contact Black & Askerov for Help

At Black & Askerov, our Seattle criminal defense lawyers have been representing clients in a wide range of gun and firearm cases for over 30 years. We understand how to start crafting a defense in your criminal gun case, and we know how to present persuasive arguments at trial or in the plea-bargaining process. Our Seattle criminal defense lawyers also have the skill and commitment that makes all the difference in these cases. Contact us now to get the legal help you deserve!