GUN STORE CLOSURES
Shorty after Governor Whitmer issued her expanded and extended Stay Home order on April 9, the NRA-ILA sent out an e-mail titled "Michigan: Gov. Whitmer Excludes Gun Stores From "Critical" Designation." The e-mail was based on Whitmer incorporating by reference an older set of guidelines from the federal government that specifically excluded later federal guidelines, apparently, in an effort to be as narrow as possible. In her previous order, she had incorporated the later federal guidelines that list gun shops as essential.
This e-mail led to a great deal of confusion among Michigan gun store owners and their customers. To make it very clear, no Michigan gun shops have been closed to date by the State of Michigan based on either the original or expanded Stay Home order. Attorney General Dana Nessel hasn't been shy about going after businesses she considers to be in violation of Whitmer's executive orders. She puts out press releases about it nearly every day. But she's never once mentioned firearms dealers.
Two gun shops in Southwest Michigan were told they had to close by local police but both reopened shortly after. The Michigan State Police and Michigan Attorney General are not attempting to close down gun stores yet. If that happens, there will certainly be a lawsuit seeking to block them. Some stores that sell guns, like Dunhams, have closed at the owner's discretion either due to lack of stock or the protect the health of their employees and the general public. Many Michigan gun stores remain open for business taking responsible safety precautions to limit customer contact.
H.R. 5717
MCRGO continues to get bombarded with e-mails about the federal HR 5717 "Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety Act of 2020." The messages about HR 5717 began in mid-March and have spread virally on social media.
This is a very bad bill. But it is nothing to get too worked up about. It was introduced back in January with 18 co-sponsors, all Democrats, out of a House Democratic Caucus of 232 representatives. It hasn't even had a hearing in subcommittee. It is unlikely to move in the House let alone the Republican controlled U.S. Senate. Bills like this are introduced by anti-gun politicians looking to satisfy their Moms Demand Action constituencies. It's the anti-gun legislation that also includes Republican co-sponsors we need to worry about.
CHANGE.ORG WHITMER RECALL PETITION
A Change.org petition to recall Governor Whitmer has been circulating on social media. It is not possible to recall the governor or any other elected official in Michigan through an online petition. Recall petition forms must contain a handwritten signature on a form approved by the Secretary of State following a clarity/factuality review by the State Board of Canvassers. Beware of signing any online petitions as the information people voluntarily supply is often sold or used for marketing purposes.
