Moms Demand Action Applauds Gov. Raimondo for Executive Order Extending Background Checks Window in Rhode Island

The Rhode Island chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today released the following statement after Governor Raimondo signed an executive order that allows additional time for the completion of background checks for purchases of firearms.

“A background check on a gun purchase can be the difference between life and death,” said Jennifer Boylan, volunteer with the Rhode Island Chapter of Moms Demand Action. “It’s so important that law enforcement have the support they need to keep our communities safe and time to ensure the completion of a background check. We’re grateful to Governor Raimondo for issuing this executive order to keep our families and friends safe from gun violence.”

Under current law, firearm sales can be completed after seven days, even if a background check hasn’t been finished. Under the order, law enforcement would have up to 30 days to complete checks and no sale could be completed unless the results of the check show that the purchaser can legally possess firearms. 

Governor Raimondo signed the order after the Executive Director of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs’ Association sent a letter asking for support and requesting the window be expanded in order to ensure that all prospective purchasers are properly vetted after an increase in gun purchases in recent weeks.