Civil Rights

Student organizers ask Governor Raimondo to close gun stores amid COVID-19 crisis

“We are asking that the Governor use her emergency powers to temporarily close gun stores, which must be deemed ‘non-essential’ during this crisis.“ Student organizers from Thoughts Prayers Action — a student-led organization that seeks to address the gun violence epidemic in Rhode Island with community organizing and neighborhood partnerships — are extremely concerned by the alarming spike in gun

Rhode Island News: Student organizers ask Governor Raimondo to close gun stores amid COVID-19 crisis

April 15, 2020, 12:34 pm

By Uprise RI Staff

We are asking that the Governor use her emergency powers to temporarily close gun stores, which must be deemed ‘non-essential’ during this crisis.


Student organizers from Thoughts Prayers Action — a student-led organization that seeks to address the gun violence epidemic in Rhode Island with community organizing and neighborhood partnerships — are extremely concerned by the alarming spike in gun sales that have resulted as a response to the COVID-19 crisis and are urging Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo to respond by enacting public safety measures that address the risks heightened by firearms in homes.

The COVID-19 crisis is taking a severe toll on the mental health of many Rhode Islanders due to health concerns, financial insecurity, loss of childcare, restriction of social networks, and loss of safe spaces. Multiple studies demonstrate that the possession of a gun in the home significantly increases the risk of death by suicide, homicide, or unintentional discharge. An analysis of multiple studies showed the odds of suicide completion are over three times higher among people who have access to a firearm compared to those who don’t. One study found that 43 percent of youth suicides involved a firearm, and of these deaths at least 69 percent involved a gun that belonged either to themselves or to a family member. Research shows that the odds of domestic violence escalating to murder is eight times more likely when the abuser has access to a firearm. This is particularly concerning right now because the stay-at-home order is forcing many to remain in close quarters with their abusers.

Therefore, we are asking that the Governor use her emergency powers to:

  • Temporarily close gun stores, which must be deemed “non-essential” during this crisis. If stores are open, ensure that they follow the strictest social-distancing guidelines in all of their operations and that they provide every purchaser with a gun safety fact sheet with information about safe storage and resources for mental health support.
  • Take action to prohibit the sale or purchase of “ghost gun” parts and kits to lower the risk of exponential sales of unregulated and unserialized gun parts.
  • Ensure support for local organizations that serve people experiencing abuse or mental distress, and broadcast resources for people to get help if they are experiencing abuse or mental distress.

In the midst of this serious public health crisis, it is crucial that we prevent the potential escalation of the gun violence epidemic.