The Trump administration has added the firearms industry — gun shops included — to a federal list of critical infrastructure during the ongoing coronavirus emergency.
The new language, added Saturday to the website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, now deems as critical “Workers supporting the operation of firearm or ammunition product manufacturers, retailers, importers,distributors, and shooting ranges.”
Previously-designated critical industries include energy, food production, emergency services, government offices, transportation and healthcare.
The list is meant to be advisory for state and local governments in their decision making — as they “work to protect their communities while ensuring continuity of functions critical to public health and safety” during the pandemic, the website says.
It was met with praise by the group “Gun Owners of America,” which said in a statement Saturday that it is encouraged President Trump’s administration is not ignoring “the ability to protect yourself” during the emergency.
*story by New York Post