The Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility issued the following statement from Executive Director Renée Hopkins following the release of President Obama’s executive order intended to address gun violence:

“It is long past time that our federal government join the states and the people in responding to our crisis of gun violence, and we wholeheartedly applaud President Barack Obama for today’s much-needed Executive Order. It is a clear message that the American people’s demand for action on gun violence is being heard in Washington, D.C., as well as at the state and local levels.

The President’s Executive Order will make a vital contribution to strengthening the enforcement of our laws to keep firearms out of dangerous hands. It ensures that more firearms sales will be subject to background checks, while also making needed investments in the technology and people that make our background check system effective. It provides new tools for law enforcement to pursue individuals who illegally attempt to acquire firearms, and will help prevent the trafficking of firearms between states. And it breaks down barriers to access to mental health care for those in crisis.

This Executive Order is a thoughtful, comprehensive, and judicious use of the President’s authority in support of the national consensus that we must address the appalling toll of gun violence.

States like Washington State helped make today possible by showing over the last two years that the people will support action to strengthen our gun laws. The American people deserve a Congress, and state legislatures, that will honor their call for action. We look forward to building on today’s important announcement with elected officials who respect the will of the people.”