Alaska governor signs law championed by 2nd Amendment advocates

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy signed a law Saturday that blocks state and local officials from closing gun stores during declared disasters, unless all other businesses are also ordered shuttered.

The legislation was championed by gun rights advocates like the National Rifle Association in response to the pandemic, which caused many businesses to be shut down.

“NRA applauds @GovDunleavy for his unwavering support of our Second Amendment rights and for signing this House Bill 61, championed by Speaker Cathy Tilton, into law,” the gun rights lobby tweeted late Saturday.

Dunleavy, a Republican, issued several public health disaster declarations during the COVID-19 pandemic. A 2020 order by the city of  Anchorage stirred controversy by shuttering gun stores and shooting ranges.

The governor said firearms are an essential part of the Alaskan way of life. 

"We use them for protection and to feed our families, so during an emergency our Second Amendment rights become more important then ever," he told FoxNews. "This bill reflects the constitutional right Alaskans have to keep and bear arms by protecting access to both firearms and ammunition when Alaskans need it the most."