Democratic gubernatorial candidate Sue Minter supports President Barack Obama executive order to curb gun violence in America.
Obama’s plan requires more gun sellers to conduct background checks. An additional 200 agents will be hired to enforce gun laws, and the federal government will propose investments to the country’s mental health crisis.
“Gun violence is a crisis in our country and like the president, I do not accept that it is inevitable,” Minter said in a statement Tuesday. “To help keep Vermonters safe, I support requiring universal background checks to keep guns out of the hands of known criminals and people deemed dangerously ill.”
Gun control is a sticky issue in the state, and few state leaders have called for major reforms.
Last month, Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger called for new gun restrictions. The mayor wants to ban guns from bars and give police the authority to seize firearms after domestic abuse incidents.
Vermont has few restrictions on gun purchases, and permits and licenses are not permitted for most firearms. Guns & Ammo magazine rated Vermont second on its 2015 list of “Best States for Gun Owners.”
“Vermont remains the sole state with only a permitless carry system,” according to the magazine.
