DHS includes gun industry in 'critical infrastructure' advisory list during coronavirus crisis

[The Legion]

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/dhs-includes-gun-industry-in-critical-infrastructure-advisory-list-during-coronavirus-crisis?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=msn_feed

The Trump administration issued a guidance that said the firearm industry should be allowed to remain open during the coronavirus pandemic.

A memo released Saturday by the Homeland Security Department said workers supporting the operation of firearm or ammunition product manufacturers, retailers, importers, distributors, and shooting ranges are part of its "essential critical infrastructure workforce" advisory list during the COVID-19 response effort.

Besides the section for law enforcement, public, safety and other first responders under which the firearm industry fell, the long advisory list also included sections for healthcare/public health, food and agriculture, energy, water and wastewater, transportation and logistics, and many others. DHS developed the list in collaboration with other federal agencies, state and local governments, and the private sector.

Several states including California, New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts have deemed gun stores to be “non-essential” businesses during the coronavirus pandemic, forcing the shops to shutter. The National Rifle Association and several other gun rights groups filed a lawsuit against the state of California, alleging such closures violate the Second Amendment rights of the state's citizens.

Other states such as Ohio, Illinois and Michigan have classified these businesses as essential and allowed the stores to remain open under the “stay at home” state-wide orders.

Several states, including California, had seen a surge in gun purchases since the outbreak began.

The memo from Christopher Krebs, director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, said the list is "advisory in nature. It is not, nor should it be considered, a federal directive or standard."

Still, the National Shooting Sports Foundation applauded the move.

“We are deeply appreciative to the Trump Administration and Department of Homeland Security for recognizing the vital role our industry fulfills in our nation,” Lawrence Keane, senior vice president and general counsel for the firearm industry trade association, said in a statement.

“We have seen over the past week hundreds of thousands, even millions of Americans choosing to exercise their right to keep and bear arms to ensure their safety and the safety of loved ones during these uncertain times. Americans must not be denied the ability to exercise that right to lawfully purchase and acquire firearms during times of emergency," he added.

In his memo, Krebs stressed: "Decisions informed by this list should also take into consideration additional public health considerations based on the specific COVID-19-related concerns of particular jurisdictions."

“This list is advisory in nature. It is not, nor should it be considered, a federal directive or standard. Additionally, this advisory list is not intended to be the exclusive list of critical infrastructure sectors, workers, and functions that should continue during the COVID-19 response across all jurisdictions," he added. “Individual jurisdictions should add or subtract essential workforce categories based on their own requirements and discretion.”

[FUJIMO]

However little this may appear to the DT haters I'll take what I can get right now.

[Blitzen]

Good to see DHS support 2nd Amendment openly even if it carries little weight on what happens at the State level. Putting a burr under the gun control crowds saddle. Wonder how many gun shops have closed in TN. A local gun shop in my area closed but don’t know if it was self closed, or shutdown at the county/city level. Have not heard if TN has closed shops at the state level. Don’t think so. 

[E4 No More]

The Sheriff in LA County just reversed himself on his stupid decision using this advisory to save face.

[Moped]

He actually did that late last week. FOX just got around to reporting it today. Other County Officials stepped in and explained that lawsuits were going to be coming and they might not win.

[Cruel Hand Luke]

A LOT of counties and cities have most likely overstepped their legal authority in some of their recent "mandates" .  

[Garufa]

On 3/31/2020 at 8:47 AM, E4 No More said:

The Sheriff in LA County just reversed himself on his stupid decision using this advisory to save face.

Coincidentally, he was removed as head of LA County's' emergency operations center shortly after that reversal.

Edited April 1, 2020 by Garufa

[DaveTN]

The Feds at DHS know they will need the help of law-abiding armed citizens if this continues much longer.

This might breathe new life into the opinions of some about what “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State,” means. (Minus the “well-regulated part of course ) We may even get to experience it firsthand.

Edited April 1, 2020 by DaveTN
Spelling

[Blitzen]

My local gun shop re-opened today. Do not know the reason for the closing although after a short phone conversion do not think it was self closing.  May very well be a local city/county gov't thing. I'll get the reason for temp closing sooner than later.