A timeline of RI events that produced a 132% Increase in NICS Background Checks in March 2020 – putting us at the top of the list of U.S. states.

RI Background Checks Nov 1998 to March 2020

February 29, 2020

First COVID case reported

RI Department of Health

 

March 9, 2020

Gov. Raimondo declares disaster emergency

Executive Order 20-02

 

March 16, 2020

Boston Globe reporting runs on ammo and big surge in gun sales in West Warwick and Coventry

bostonglobe.com

Gov. Raimondo limits groups to 25 or less

Executive Order 20-04

 

March 17, 2020

WJAR reports huge spike in gun sales in Exeter and Warwick

turnto10.com

 

March 20, 2020

RI Police Chief’s Assoc. asks Gov. to extend background checks due to surge in gun sales

RIPAC letter to Gov. Raimondo

Gov. Raimondo extends timeframe for NICS background checks from 7 to 30 days.

Executive Order 20-07

 

March 21, 2020

Newport Daily News reports big spike in sales at Aquidneck Island gun shops.

providencejournal.com

March 22, 2020

Gov. Raimondo limits groups to 10

Executive Order 20-09

 

March 24, 2020

WPRI reports big uptick in gun sales in Tiverton, Warwick, Richmond

wpri.com

 

March 28, 2020

Providence Journal reports first coronavirus death

providencejournal.com

Gov. Raimondo limits groups to less 5 or less, designates liquor and firearms stores as essential services

Executive Order 20-13

 

April 2, 2020

ABC affiliate in N.C. reports FBI background checks in RI up 132%, highest in the U.S.

abc11.com

 

April 17, 2020

Gov. Raimondo extends executive order for NICS background checks

Executive Order 20-28