Governor Joe Lombardo Vetoes Gun Safety Bills; Nevada Moms Demand Action, Students Demand Action Respond

CARSON CITY, Nev. – Nevada Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, issued the following statement after Governor Joe Lombardo vetoed a trio of gun safety bills. The measures sought to prohibit those convicted of hate crimes from possessing firearms, prohibit guns at and around polling places, and raise the age to possess semiautomatic firearms to 21. 

“It’s shameful to see our Governor prioritize the gun lobby over public safety,” said Melissa Olsen, a volunteer with the Nevada chapter of Moms Demand Action. “These measures were an opportunity to disarm hate and protect our families and children from gun violence. We won’t back down from this fight and we will continue to work with our gun sense champions in the legislature until we eradicate gun violence in Nevada.” 

In an average year, 555 people die by guns in Nevada. With a rate of 17.5 deaths per 100,000 people, the state has the 16th-highest rate of gun deaths in the US. Each year, gun violence costs Nevada $6.7 billion, of which $104.3 million is paid by taxpayers. More information on gun violence in Nevada is available here. To speak to a local volunteer with Moms Demand Action, a volunteer with Students Demand Action, or a policy expert, please reach out to [email protected].