After Court Ruling, 'People Are Going To Come Out And Buy Guns Just To Buy Guns,' Shop Owner Predicts

Gun shops in Massachusetts can reopen this weekend, after a federal judge said Thursday it is unconstitutional for the state to close them because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Vinny Cedrone — whose store, Shawsheen Firearms in Billerica, was the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against the state — predicts gun owners who were "enraged" by the temporary shutdown will make a statement with their wallets.

"People are going to come out and buy guns just to friggin' buy guns," he said.

"Even if they didn't want one, they're going to come out and buy a gun just to stick it up that a**hole's a**," he said, referring to Gov. Charlie Baker.

Prospective gun buyers must make appointments, and they still have to follow the state's 6-foot, physical distancing rule.

In a press briefing shortly after the court's decision, Baker said he had not yet reviewed the ruling but said the state "will certainly comply with any kind of judicial ruling."

Baker excluded gun shops from a list of essential businesses that could remain open during the coronavirus outbreak, prompting Shawsheen Firearms and other retailers to sue.

Cedrone said he lost two months of sales during the state-ordered closure, which was particularly stressful with a young baby at home. His company received $1,000 from the federal Paycheck Protection Program, which "isn't even worth getting out of bed for," he said.

"Luckily, my landlord gave me a break," Cedrone added.