| DATE: | May 3, 2020 |
| TO: | USF & NRA Members and Friends |
| FROM: | Marion P. Hammer |
| USF Executive Director | |
| NRA Past President |
Store owners explain why they defied coronavirus shutdown orders
By Stephen Gutowski
Washington Free Beacon
May 3, 2020
https://freebeacon.com/coronavirus/meet-the-florida-firefighter-who-refused-to-close-his-gun-store/
On the afternoon of March 24, two Delray Beach, Fla., code enforcement officials walked into Wex Gunworks and told owner Brandon Wexler that he had to shut down over concerns about coronavirus. Wexler’s mind immediately went to the customers who had begun flooding his shop as the deadly virus spread. Florida law requires stores to hold guns purchased by residents without gun-carry permits for at least five days. Wexler had more than 500 people waiting on their purchases at the time.
“You’re violating their rights. They can’t protect their families, their property. And God forbid if this thing turned sideways,” Wexler said. “I need to help these people. I went into fireman mode.”
In addition to running the gun shop, Wexler is a Palm Beach County firefighter. The 13-year department veteran had already taken steps to keep his customers safe from the virus by canceling classes and enforcing social distancing. He bristled at the notion that the store had to shutter completely. Wexler sees no difference between his job as a first responder and his role as a shop owner. Both are more essential than ever in times of crisis…READ MORE…
https://freebeacon.com/coronavirus/meet-the-florida-firefighter-who-refused-to-close-his-gun-store/