March 30, 2020
For immediate release

NC County Reopens Gun Stores After GOA, GRNC Legal Warning

Springfield, VA – Wake County, North Carolina has revised its emergency order to reopen gun stores after a letter sent by Gun Owner of America (GOA) and Grass Roots North Carolina (GRNC).

After threat of legal action from GOA and GRNC, Wake County reversed course to allow gun sales, and the county will follow the “stay-at-home” order issued by Gov. Roy Cooper. This order allows gun stores that practice social distancing to remain open.

GOA’s Senior Vice President Erich Pratt said: “GOA is pleased to see this reversal from Wake County. The county’s original order was an egregious infringement on the right to keep and bear arms and went against federal guidance and state law.”

GRNC President Paul Valone said: “GRNC is pleased the Wake County Board of Commissioners has acknowledged that for the safety and security of citizens, firearms retailers and related businesses are indeed part of the critical infrastructure of our country and must remain open during any state of emergency.”

While GOA and GRNC are very thankful for the positive developments coming out of Wake County — developments which were communicated by the county attorney to both Pratt and Valone via email — both organizations still look forward to seeing a public announcement made by Wake County.

Erich Pratt, or another GOA spokesperson, is available for interviews. Gun Owners of America is a nonprofit grassroots lobbying organization dedicated to protecting the right to keep and bear arms without compromise. GOA represents over two million members and activists. For more information, visit GOA’s Press Center.

— GOA —