Trump Admin Names Gun Makers and Retailers Essential Businesses Nationwide

“It is precisely during such an emergency that we need government officials to stay within their authority.. and not one inch beyond.” Ammoland

Last week, the National Rifle Association, in conjunction with the Second Amendment Foundation, California Gun Rights Coalition, and Firearms Policy Conference, sued Governor Gavin Newsom and other state officials over the closing of gun stores in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, California Globe reported.

By Saturday, President Trump’s Department of Homeland Security released updated guidelines naming gun manufacturers and retailers as essential, which means they are to stay open and operational nationwide during a Chinese coronavirus shutdown, Breitbart reported.

This swift reaction is a result of gun rights and owners groups jumping into action.

“Gun Owners of California (GOC) and Gun Owners of America (GOA) jumped into the fray immediately once gun stores were threatened with closure across the country, and made an official request of the Trump administration to clarify federal policy,” GOC reported. “Shortly after GOC and GOA sent a letter to the administration urging inclusion of the firearms industry as part of the Essential Critical Infrastructure, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) revised its guidelines.”

“The sheriff of Los Angeles County, CA told stores to close,” Ammoland reported. “The mayor of LA said they would shut off water and power to stores that stayed open. The county council, the lawyer who advises LA county officials, told the sheriff not to close gun stores or he would face lawsuits. The sheriff rescinded and then reinstated his order to close stores. As predicted, he was sued by four human rights organizations within hours. Sheriffs in Pennsylvania and New York said they would not process concealed carry firearm applications. Officials in New Jersey and Illinois simply stopped processing the permits required to purchase a firearm.. and they were sued.”

In his letter to Gov. Newsom, Gun Owners of California Executive Director Sam Paredes said, “This advisory definitively states that those involved in the firearms industry should be exempt from any requirements that restrict their ability to conduct business, as they serve an essential need to the American public in a time of crisis.”

Liberty Firearms Training owner and firearms instructor Jean Pagnone said she is also frustrated that gun ranges were considered non essential and many are closed.  “I teach a lot of women – mostly beginners overall – and they are frustrated that not only can they not buy what they want, but they also can’t be responsible gun owners by either learning the basics or continuing to train,” Pagnone said. “I have been bombarded with emails from adults who want to train and are frustrated that they have to wait.”

“As an instructor, not only is it my responsibility, but it is important to me that every gun owner is well trained in safety and the fundamentals.”