Washington permits open carry of firearms without a permit for adults 21 and older. Seattle cannot ban open carry in most public spaces due to state preemption, but RCW 9.41.300 prohibits openly carried weapons at permitted demonstrations and the state Capitol.
Washington has no general prohibition on openly carrying handguns or long guns by adults. Seattle is preempted from enacting broader bans. However, RCW 9.41.300 (amended 2021) bans openly carried firearms at any public permitted demonstration and within 250 feet of one, plus the Capitol grounds. Seattle's permitted protests, parades, and rallies fall under this rule. Open carry remains restricted in schools, courthouses, jails, secure airport zones, and bars. Brandishing or 'manifesting an intent to intimidate' is a gross misdemeanor under RCW 9.41.270 regardless of permit status. City facilities may post weapons-prohibited signs in narrow contexts.
Open carry at permitted demonstration: gross misdemeanor (RCW 9.41.300). Brandishing/intimidation: gross misdemeanor (RCW 9.41.270). School zone: felony. Bar carry: misdemeanor.
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