Reno mayor favors Question 1, expanding gun background checks

Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve on Monday endorsed Question 1, a Nevada ballot initiative proposing to expand firearm background checks to private-party sales and transfers.

“Recent events make clear that too many cities are grappling with the problem of gun violence and too many families have had loved ones killed by someone who should never have had a gun in the first place,” Schieve said in a statement.

“This isn’t a political issue, it’s a public safety issue, and closing the loophole will help reduce gun violence and make our communities safer.

Proponents of the measure have said it will have a substantial effect on gun violence, but those against the initiative have said it will only burden law-abiding gun owners.

State voters will decide the issue in November.

Contact Wesley Juhl at wjuhl@reviewjournal.com and 702-383-0391. Follow @WesJuhl on Twitter.