The National Rifle Association is putting Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva on notice after he was able to reissue his order to force gun stores in his jurisdiction to close down since he considers them to be a non-essential business.
In compliance with @CAgovernor 's Executive Order, Gun & ammunition stores are not considered essential businesses, and will cease to sell to the general public, there are some exceptions. Please see my full statement below: #COVID19 #SaferAtHome #flattenthecurve #LASD #SheriffV pic.twitter.com/XSqk9POEzt
— Alex Villanueva (@LACoSheriff) March 26, 2020
Gun stores will be allowed to sell ammunition to security guard companies and if someone bought a firearm and are still in the 10-day waiting period, they are able to pick it up when it's ready. Villanueva initially issued the order on Tuesday, but had to withdraw it after county counsel said gun stores can be considered an essential business during the Wuhan coronavirus pandemic.
"Sheriff Villanueva’s reckless decision to close all Los Angeles County gun stores threatens the safety of the more than 10 million law-abiding Californians in his county. Los Angeles County is the most populous county in the nation, with a population that is greater than that of 43 states. His decision not only prohibits law-abiding citizens from purchasing a firearm and ammunition from a licensed dealer, but because of the state’s so-called 'universal' background check law, it also prohibits them from purchasing or borrowing a firearm from close friends, neighbors and most family members," NRA Western Regional Director Dan Reid told Townhall.
"The NRA is considering all options to protect the rights of law-abiding Californians — legal, legislative and otherwise. Law-abiding Americans must not be deprived of the right to defend themselves and their loved ones at any time," he added.
Villanueva's order is only being carried out in incorporated areas of the county and in cities that have a policing contract with the sheriff's department. In independent cities like Burbank, gun stores will remain open as long as they are upholding social distancing procedures.
