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SJM 8012

Requesting an investigation into the killing of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Emily Alvarado and 10 co-sponsors

Urges the U.S. State Dept to lead an independent, U.S.-led investigation into Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi’s West Bank death, pressing accountability for Americans killed abroad.

First reading, referred to Law & Justice.
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Bill Summary · SJM 8012

Summary of SJM 8012 (Washington)

Overview

  • Type: Senate Joint Memorial (SJM 8012)
  • Title: Requesting an investigation into the killing of Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi
  • Status: First reading, referred to Committee on Law & Justice
  • Introduced: April 9, 2025
  • Purpose:urge the United States Department of State to order an independent, U.S.-led investigation into the death of Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi in the West Bank, and to promote justice and accountability for Eygi and other U.S. citizens killed abroad
  • Classification: Joint memorial

Purpose and Intent

  • The memorial seeks to compel federal action by requesting the U.S. Department of State to conduct an independent investigation into Eygi’s death, attributing accountability issues to diplomatic channels and seeking a transparent process led by the United States.
  • It frames Eygi’s death as part of a broader call for justice for U.S. citizens who are killed abroad, and it draws historical parallels to prior cases to underscore the need for accountability.

Who is Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi?

  • Born: July 27, 1998; raised in West Seattle
  • Education/Work: University of Washington School of Psychology graduate (June 2024); worked as a behavioral technician; activist and community organizer
  • Activism: Led peaceful protests, supported immigrant and refugee rights, climate justice, and Palestinian rights; involved in international volunteer work (Germany, Myanmar, Indonesia, Australia, Gaza relief fundraising)
  • Death: September 6, 2024, in the West Bank, Palestine, at age 26; fatally shot by an Israeli military sniper while observing displacement of Palestinians
  • Legacy context: Compared to Rachel Corrie’s death in 2003 to highlight ongoing concerns about accountability in U.S. diplomacy and military actions abroad

Key Provisions and Provisions in the Bill

  • REQUESTS: The U.S. Department of State should order an independent, United States–led investigation into Eygi’s killing by Israeli military forces.
  • SCOPE: Investigation intended to ensure justice and accountability for Eygi and for all U.S. citizens unjustly killed abroad.
  • RECIPIENTS: Copies of the memorial to the President, the Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House, and all Washington state members of Congress.
  • NARRATIVE CONTENT: The memorial includes extensive “Whereas” clauses detailing Eygi’s life, activism, and death, and justification for pursuing a U.S.-led inquiry.
  • LEGAL NATURE: As a memorial, it expresses the sentiment and request of the Washington Legislature but does not create binding legal obligations or funding.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: In the introductory stage; first reading and assignment to Law & Justice indicate initial consideration.
  • Timeline: No enacted timeline for the investigation is established; as a memorial, it is non-binding and symbolic, aiming to influence federal policy discussions.

Potential Impact

  • Raises state-level pressure on federal officials to pursue a transparent, independent U.S.-led investigation into Eygi’s death.
  • Signals Washington’s stance on accountability for U.S. citizens killed abroad and may influence related congressional or diplomatic discourse.
  • Non-binding nature means implementation depends on federal actions and responses to the memorial.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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