COVID Panic Gun Buying Timeline in RI

132% Increase in Rhode Island Background Checks from February to March 2020

Leading the nation in NICS (federal) background checks, it’s clear that Rhode Islanders are engaging in panic buying of gun and ammunition as a result of the coronavirus crisis.

NOTE: Does not indicate a gun was purchased; more than one gun may be purchased through one background check.

Source: FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background(NICS) Check System

RI Background Checks Nov 1998 to March 2020

2/29

First COVID-19 Case Reported

By RI Department of Health

2/29

Gov. Declares Disaster Emergency

Executive Order 20-02

03/16

Gov. Limits Groups to Less Than 25

Executive Order 20-04

Boston Globe reports run on ammo, huge increase in gun sales in central RI

Source: bostonglobe.com

3/17

WJAR reports big spike in gun sales

Source: turnto10.com

03/20

RI Police Chief’s Association ask Governor to extend time to process background checks due to surge in gun permit applications

RIPCA letter to Gov. Raimondo

Gov. Raimondo extends federal background check timeframe from 7 to 30 days

Executive Order 20-07

3/9

Gov. Declares Disaster Emergency

Executive Order 20-02

03/16

Gov. Limits Groups to Less Than 25

Executive Order 20-04