I’m writing in response to the Monitor’s Jan. 30 article, “NH Dems push for waiting period on gun sales.” While I greatly appreciate the Concord Monitor covering an important hearing for a bill on firearm background checks and waiting period, I want to clarify that, despite the current political climate, gun violence affects everyone and demands a non-partisan solution. As the headline suggests, the bill is sponsored by Democrats, but many parents showed up to support the bill because it will save lives by ensuring non-licensed firearm sales and transfers have a background check and a waiting period. People at the hearing also supported victims of gun violence, like Donna Morin, a mother who testified that a waiting period could have saved her son who died by firearm suicide only hours after he purchased a gun. Another piece of legislation introduced this session is sponsored by a Republican. This bill authorizes the state to send certain records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, ensuring complete, accurate and effective background checks. With guns being the leading cause of death among children and a 34% increase in gun deaths over the past decade in the U.S., I urge all Granite Staters — regardless of political party — to take action and reach out to their representatives. Let them know that gun violence prevention legislation, like robust background checks and waiting periods, are critical to the safety of our communities and the safe futures of our children.

Kathleen Slover

Portsmouth