Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont says gun shops are essential businesses that can remain open, while others close for the COVID-19 pandemic. Gun control advocates aren’t happy with his decision.



Gun stores stay open alongside dozens of other types of business exempted in Lamont’s executive order. Many gun stores have reported increased sales during the pandemic.

Po Murray is with Newtown Action Alliance. The group was founded after the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School that killed 20 children and six educators.

“Designating gun shops as essential businesses during a pandemic only helps the corporate gun lobby to sell more guns.”

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker also listed gun shops as essential when issuing a similar list. But governors from nearby states, including New York and New Jersey, didn’t include them.

The Newtown-based National Shooting Sports Foundation says guns are critical to American infrastructure.



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