LAS VEGAS – The Nevada chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today again urged Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval to work with the FBI to implement the Background Check Law, requiring background check on all gun sales, that Nevada voters approved last November as Question 1 on their state ballots.
On Wednesday, Governor Sandoval asked Attorney General Adam Laxalt for “clarification” on a question related to implementation – this despite the fact the governor can himself start working with the FBI immediately to implement the background check law. Attorneys for the background check law responded Wednesday, saying “there is no reason such action should be further delayed.”
Prior to Sunday’s mass shooting on the Las Vegas Strip, attorneys for the background check initiative had set an October 9 deadline for implementation and had said they were prepared to go to court if the law is not implemented.
Federal law requires licensed gun dealers to conduct criminal background checks on most gun sales, but a loophole exists allowing unlicensed sales, including sales online and at gun shows, to take place without background checks. Nevada’s background check initiative, which voters approved last November with a majority of votes, calls for the state to close the loophole and require background checks on all gun sales in Nevada, with reasonable exceptions for family, hunting and self-defense. 18 other states have passed similar laws and see fewer gun deaths among law enforcement and victims of domestic violence, as well as fewer suicides by firearm, than states that have not closed the loophole.
STATEMENT FROM ELIZABETH BECKER, VOLUNTEER WITH THE NEVADA CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:
“The tragedy that unfolded here this week is a stark reminder that we have to do more to prevent gun violence. It’s long past time for the governor to do his job and implement the law we passed last November, regardless of his personal views.”
STATEMENT FROM JOHN FEINBLATT, PRESIDENT OF EVERTOWN FOR GUN SAFETY:
“Nevada’s governor seems to need a reminder that he was elected to represent the will of his constituents. Nevada voters approved a background check law that can save lives, and they expect their elected leaders to enforce it.”