Everytown For Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action Respond to Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s Support For Stronger Background Checks on Gun Sales

Lt. Gov. Patrick Said he is “Willing to Take an Arrow” to Defy the NRA and Strengthen Background Checks

Legislation Requiring Background Checks on All Gun Sales Has Received Strong Bipartisan Support Across The Country

NEW YORK – Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America released the following statement in response to comments from Dan Patrick, Lieutenant Governor of Texas, calling for stronger background checks on gun sales. In his comments, Lt. Gov. Patrick committed to standing up to the gun lobby and called for other Republican lawmakers to join him in support of common-sense gun laws. 

“We’re watching a seismic shift occur in this country as even elected officials most closely aligned with the NRA turn their backs on the gun lobby and side with the American people who overwhelmingly support gun safety,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. “Lt. Gov. Patrick’s decision is one more indication that the tide is turning, and that the Senate should pay close attention as it returns to Washington next week – otherwise it will face the electoral consequences next November.” 

“This is more proof that opposing the dangerous positions of NRA lobbyists is no longer a liability — in fact, it’s what lawmakers must do if they want a future in politics,” said Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “Americans, regardless of political party, are watching to see if the Senate will act to address our country’s gun violence crisis when they return from recess. If they don’t, they will be held accountable.”

A report from Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund showed that in 2018 alone, there were as many as 60,362 ads on Armslist.com offering guns for sale in Texas with no background check required. More information on background checks is available here.