Seattle's top city leaders are expected to announce Monday tougher federal penalties against individuals who commit gun crimes.
At 11:00 a.m., Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg, U.S. Attorney Jenny Durkan and others will outline their enhanced strategies against gun crime.
The penalties would result in part from a partnership with the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives by identifying people with guns and executing stings throughout the city.
"Gun control laws can make a difference, and we support sensible changes to our gun control laws. But we also know Olympia hasn't changed them when we've asked before," McGinn said on changes to state gun laws. "We're not going to wait for it. We're going to keep pushing for it, but we're not going to wait for it."
Click here to watch the Mayor's complete interview.
Federal charges could help stop the cycle of violence, McGinn said, but the city must also strike the right combination with Seattle Police and the community.
"Our focus is going to be on having police presence, but more than that, is a partnership with the community to identify those individuals who have guns and who may use them so we can try to reach them before that happens."
Between January and May of 2012, 21 people in Seattle have lost their lives due to homicide -- already one more than all of 2011.
Later Monday evening, the community will converge at Town Hall Seattle, near 8th and Seneca, where one of the more violent murders happened just last month.
At 7:30 p.m., the public is invited to "Public Safety: A Community Conversation," with Mayor McGinn, Seattle Police and others. Right outside the building on May 30, Gloria Leonidas was carjacked, shot and killed. Four other people died at the hands of the same gunman that day when he opened fire at the Cafe Racer.
Some members of the Seattle City Council have called for a change to state laws that they say bind the hands of city leaders. Currently, state law reads, "Local laws that are...more restrictive than state law shall not be enacted."
A national gun prevention group, The Brady Campaign, has joined the effort, arguing a word change in Washington state law could in cases prevent concealed weapons permits being issued to people with mental health issues.
"Public Safety: A Community Conversation," is free for all to attend with RSVP. Click here for more info.
KING 5's Jake Whittenberg contributed to this report.
