Coronavirus And Guns: MoCo Asks Hogan To Prioritize Public Safety

ROCKVILLE, MD — The Montgomery County Council and several advocacy groups have penned a letter to Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, asking the state to focus on safeguards for gun stores.

"Since you have since designated firearms stores as essential businesses, we hope you will take measures to ensure operators of those stores are complying with social distancing recommendations, as operators of so many grocers and other essential businesses have already done," the letter said.

Like the CDC, Maryland health officials are urging residents to practice social distancing — which means avoiding mass gatherings and keeping at least six feet of space between yourself and other people outside of your home. They say it's an essential step in slowing the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

"More specifically, we are concerned about the evidence of long lines in and outside crowded stores and about customers touching inventory items and inadvertently spreading disease," the groups wrote.

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Another issue they expressed concern over was the "lack of accountability with our gun policies." By not following these policies, they wrote, it could have "deadly consequences" for victims of domestic violence and some individuals with mental illnesses who may not access support systems that are available during normal circumstances.

As Marylanders hunker down at home amid the coronavirus pandemic, some law enforcement and government officials across the state are worried about an increase in domestic violence and social isolation.

Earlier this month, Baltimore County Police Chief Melissa Hyatt posted a PSA for residents who may need help getting out of abusive relationships and situations. Montgomery County also published a number of mental health and crises resources for residents.

Another concern raised in the letter: the state's ability to keep up with background check requests during the pandemic.

"With the state's judicial operations shuttered, the courts have diminished ability to conduct these background checks," the groups wrote. "If the background check takes more than the allotted seven day period as a result of increased demand and reduced administrative capacity, will the person who applied for the firearm be automatically approved?

"We urge you to extend the background check period to account for the possible delay in processing, ensuring that courts and law enforcement have sufficient time to update the (National Instant Criminal Background Check System) and process requests."

The letter was signed by the all-Democratic council and a number of advocacy groups — including March For Our Lives Maryland, Court Watch Montgomery, and Marylanders for the Prevention of Gun Violence.

Click here to read the letter.

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