Washington: Police & Lawmakers Say Firearm Dealers Are Essential

On March 27^th, state Senator Lynda Wilson delivered letters to Governor Jay Inslee explaining why it is essential that citizens are able to access their Second Amendment rights during the COVID-19 crisis. One letter was signed by 46 state lawmakers and the other was signed by 15 law enforcement officials from across the state. You may click here to view the letters and see if your legislators, sheriff, or police chief signed.

“Some things don’t stop because of COVID-19, and unfortunately, one of those is crime. Governor Inslee can’t assume criminals will honor his stay-at-home order – he’s aware that a state trooper gave his life on Tuesday while trying to apprehend a suspected criminal who obviously wasn’t staying home,” said Senator Wilson.

Gov. Inslee’s March 23^rd executive order directs all Washingtonians to stay home, except for “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers.” This category does not include workers of firearm and ammunition businesses, meaning gun stores across the state could be shut down. Because Initiative 594 criminalized private sales of firearms and severely restricted transfers, the closing of gun stores will make it nearly impossible for citizens to give or sell a firearm to friends, extended family, or others seeking to exercise their right to self-defense.

Please stay tuned to www.nraila.org/coronavirus for further updates on our Second Amendment rights during COVID-19.