As a former trauma and surgical nurse, I have seen gun violence that wounded and killed citizens and police officers. But last week, a new analysis of FBI data revealed that 61 percent of Washington law enforcement officers shot to death over a 30-year span were murdered by prohibited purchasers. As voters, we have the responsibility to do everything we can to protect the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect us. That’s why I’m voting “Yes” on Initiative 594 this November to close the background check loophole.
Currently in Washington, handguns sold by one of the more than 1,100 federally licensed dealers are subject to background checks. These prevent felons, domestic abusers and the seriously mentally ill from buying guns. But these same individuals can buy a gun at a gun show or from an unlicensed seller online without a background check. We know closing the loophole protects law enforcement officers. In the 16 states with background checks on all handgun sales, there are 39 percent fewer law enforcement officers murdered with handguns. These aren’t just statistics; these are lives we can save. Join me in voting “yes” on I-594 to help make our communities safer.
Joanne Pinelli
Camas
