Days before the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security revised guidance deeming workers in the firearms industry “essential” personnel during the coronavirus pandemic, Sen. Rand Paul wrote the agency a letter encouraging the move.
Paul’s letter to the agency last Tuesday urged federal officials to revise their guidance for employees within the gun industry.
“The U.S. Constitution guarantees an individual right to keep and bear arms. The protections afforded by the Second Amendment are indispensable, and they have served our nation well through tranquil times as well as turbulent ones. Our current circumstances are no different,” Paul said. “Excluding the firearms industry from the essential workforce would negatively impact the ability of these law enforcement entities, especially in smaller rural communities, to protect Americans during this critical time.”
On Saturday, DHS issued new guidance saying workers supporting the operation of firearm or ammunition product manufacturers, retailers, importers, distributors, and shooting ranges are part of its “essential critical infrastructure workforce” during the pandemic.
DHS said the new guidance is not a mandate for states to follow.
Dozens of states have issued “stay-at-home” or “shelter-in-place” orders for residents while shuttering bars, restaurants, and other businesses deemed nonessential.
In California, the National Rifle Association filed a lawsuit against Gov. Gavin Newsom and local law enforcement for closing gun shops and ammunition dealers amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“The circumstances posed by the Novel Coronavirus (‘COVID-19’) outbreak are noteworthy, but do not excuse unlawful government infringements upon freedom,” the NRA said. “In fact, the importance of maintaining the ongoing activities of essential businesses for the safety, health, and welfare of Californians makes Plaintiffs’ point: the need for enhanced safety during uncertain times is precisely when Plaintiffs and their members must be able to exercise their fundamental rights to keep and bear arms.”
Gun sales in the United States have seen a sharp increase since the outbreak of the virus.
