Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said Tuesday that gun stores aren't considered an essential business, and they will have to close under state and local orders that restrict public gatherings.
In an interview with Fox11 news about gun shops, Villanueva said they were not an "essential function."
“I'm a supporter of the Second Amendment, I'm a gun owner myself, but now you have the mixture of people that are not formerly gun owners and you have a lot more people at home," Villanueva said. “And anytime you introduce a firearm in a home, from what I understand from CDC studies, it increases fourfold the chance that someone is gonna get shot."
California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a sweeping order for residents in the state to remain at home as much as possible, and closed nonessential businesses. The order does not specify gun stores, which Villanueva pointed out that they are not on the list of retail operations considered essential like grocery stores, restaurants and pharmacies.
If gun shops refuse to close their doors, they could be cited, Villanueva said. The sheriff also noted that 1,300 deputies have been assigned to patrol duties.
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