From adding non-related provisions to Trump’s $2 trillion economic package to banning gun sales, it seemed that the Democratic party had been using the ongoing coronavirus pandemic to push their own political agendas.

California Governor Gavin Newsom used his emergency powers to order gun store closures. His decision had led the NRA, Second Amendment Foundation, California Gun Rights Coalition, and Firearms Policy Conference to come together and sue Newsom for violating both the Second and the Fourteenth Amendment Rights.

The lawsuit also extends to Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva, who has supported the gun store closures.

In an official statement from the executive director of NRA-ILA, Jason Ouimet said that by closing down gun stores, states “aren’t promoting safety.” Rather, Ouimet claimed that it becomes counterproductive as it disarms Americans, “suffocates” the Second Amendment rights, and even displays “shameless” partisanship. The executive director continued to say that their organization recognized this violation and “is proud to stand and fight alongside fellow Second Amendment groups.”

lan Gottlieb, the founder of the Second Amendment Foundation, also released a statement condemning Governor Newsom’s abuse of power. Gottlieb claimed that the closure of gun stores can be considered as an “attack on fundamental rights,” and that it must be stopped right away. The vocal gun-rights activist also announced that the organization is keen on filing more lawsuits to ensure that other states would take into consideration the legal ramifications before they shut down gun stores.

California is not the only state who has had to deal with gun-control issues, as the country continues to grapple with the reality of the coronavirus pandemic. In fact, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton reminded the local government that it could not use the current crisis to ban gun sales. Paxton’s statements came as a response from a question by Rep. Dustin Burrows if the states have a say on whether to ban gun sales.

The attorney general clarified that while the government code recognized that local governments could have more authority during emergency situations, the provisions do not extend to the banning of gun sales. Indeed, even the administration had also recognized gun manufacturers and gun retailers as part of the “essential” services. On Saturday, the Department of Homeland Security released a guideline claiming that gun stores can still operate amidst the deadly pandemic. According to the DHS guidelines, people who support the operation of ammunition products are deemed as essential; these include manufacturers, retailers, importers, distributors, and shooting ranges.

Finally, Gottlieb thanked President Donald Trump for recognizing the importance of the Second Amendment in such a time of crisis. “Every freedom-loving American owes President Trump and his administration a very big thank you for protecting our Second Amendment Rights,” Gottlieb said.