April 2, 2020
To the Honorable Governor of Maryland,
My fellow legislators and I wish to thank you for your outstanding leadership during this
unprecedented state of emergency. Marylanders are looking to you for guidance in this
challenging time. Further guidance we think is needed, when assuring the safety of Maryland’s
already vulnerable populations.
The ability of gun stores to remain open during this pandemic is worrisome for many
Marylanders. Less than two weeks ago, a long line extended outside and around the corner of a
gun store in Silver Spring. It is alarming to see Marylanders stockpiling weapons in such a state of
emergency. Maryland has seen a surge in the purchase of guns and ammunition during this time
of crisis.
Guns are not essential to solving this pandemic, nor will they make people safer. At this
time, guns are only hurting vulnerable populations- victims of domestic violence and individuals
already prone to suicide are most at risk. Marylanders are home, tensions are high, every
Marylander is eager to save lives; however, gun stores remain open creating fear for our most
vulnerable citizens.
Pursuant to Public Safety Article 14-303, you have the ability to close these stores. Should
you choose not to close gun stores, in light of the recent directive from the federal Department
of Homeland Security, we ask that you join our neighboring states and require an appointment
during limited business hours, for individuals who choose to purchase guns at this time.
The increased sales of guns in recent weeks is disturbing. Marylanders need to be
encouraged to fight this pandemic with hygiene and social distancing rather than with guns.

Sincerely Yours,
Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary

Senator Sarah Elfreth

Delegate Heather Bagnall

Senator Brian Feldman

Delegate Darryl Barnes

Senator Guy Guzzone

Delegate Ben Barnes

Senator Shelly Hettleman

Delegate Erik Barron

Senator Susan Lee
Senator Jim Rosapepe
Senator Will Smith
Senator Jeff Waldstriecher
Senator Mary Washington

 Delegate Sandy Bartlett
Delegate Lisa Belcastro
Delegate Ben Brooks
Delegate Jon Cardin
Delegate Al Carr
Delegate Lorig Charkoudian
Delegate Charlotte Crutchfield
Delegate Davis Dereck
Delegate Fennell Diana
Delegate Kathleen Dumais
Delegate Eric Ebersole
Delegate Jessica Feldmark
Delegate Wanika Fisher
Delegate Terri Hill
Delegate Michael Jackson
Delegate Anne Kaiser
Delegate Arianna Kelly
Delegate Marc Korman
Delegate Carol Krimm
Delegate Robbyn Lewis
Delegate Jazz Lewis
Delegate Karen Lewis-Young
Delegate Brooke Lierman
Delegate Lesley Lopez
Delegate Sara Love
Delegate Maggie McIntosh
Delegate David Moon
Delegate Julie Palakovich-Carr
Delegate Edith Patterson
Delegate Josephine Peña-Melnyk
Delegate Shane Pendergrass
Delegate Kirill Reznik
Delegate Sheila Ruth
Delegate Emily Shetty

 Delegate Jared Solomon
Delegate Jen Terrasa
Delegate Veronica Turner
Delegate Kris Valderrama
Delegate Geraldine Valentino-Smith
Delegate Stewart Vaughn
Delegate Alonzo Washington
Delegate Courtney Watson
Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins
Delegate Nicole Williams
cc:
Matthew Clark, Chief of Staff to the Governor
Keiffer Mitchell, Chief Legislative Officer
Cara Sullivan, Deputy Legislative Officer