Gun control group invests another $1 million in Washington state background check initiative

The Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund announced today it will spend another $1 million to support the I-594 campaign.

This is the second million-dollar donation for the measure made by the gun control group in less than two months, and in addition to Everytown, which is funded by billionaire and gun control supporter Michael Bloomberg, the initiative has gotten million-dollar donations from Microsoft alum Bill Gates and Paul Allen.

If passed by voters in the upcoming election, I-594 would expand background checks for gun buyers to include private transfers.

“(Washington state is) the only place in the country where voters will have an up-or-down vote on background checks, which we’ve been fighting for in DC and states across the country,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown.

Everytown argues requiring background checks for private transfers would close a loophole that makes it easier for criminals and other dangerous people to obtain firearms, and it has been calling attention to online sales. But pro-gun groups disagree and have proposed a measure of their own, Initiative 591, which would essentially maintain the status quo for gun sales.

Should both measures pass, the courts could ultimately decide which path Washington’s background check question would take.

The general election is scheduled for Nov. 4.

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