The Michael Bloomberg-funded gun control groups Moms Demand Action and Everytown for Gun Safety are calling on governors around the U.S. to ignore the Trump administration's guidelines listing gun stores as "essential" businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.
In a press release posted on the Moms Demand Action/Everytown website, Moms Demand Action founder Shannon Watts said, "The gun lobby has fear-mongered to stoke gun sales throughout this pandemic, pedaling the lie that more guns make us safer. The Trump administration just gave that myth its seal of approval, proving once again that President Trump cares more about lining gun dealers’ pockets than saving American lives."
The press release also stressed that the guidelines are merely an "advisory" and should not be "considered, a federal directive or standard."
John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety, said, "It’s shameful and nonsensical that the Trump administration has decided to put gun dealers and manufacturers on the same level as police, first responders, hospital workers, and other Americans who are risking everything to save lives during this pandemic. Governors should feel free to ignore this irresponsible advisory and do what’s best for their residents."