AdvertisementDid Record Gun Sales Cause A Spike In Gun Crime? Researchers Say It's ComplicatedMarch 03, 2021Martin KastefacebookEmailIn April 2020, Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee did not list gun stores as essential businesses that could stay open during his Stay-at-Home order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. However, some retail gun shops followed orders by then-President Trump and state Republicans who advised that the firearms industry could remain open. There was an uptick in gun and ammo sales. (Getty Images)