To the editor:

I’ve been around guns for a long time. While I don’t hunt anymore, I used to, and I always carried a sidearm in the bush in case I encountered a bear. I also used to target shoot a lot — a sport I enjoyed very much.

But since my days as a hunter our gun culture has changed dramatically, and we’ve lost sight of responsible gun laws.

That’s why I’m voting “Yes” on Initiative 594 this November to close the background check loophole that makes it easy for criminals and other dangerous people to buy a gun without a background check.

Last week, a new analysis of FBI data revealed that 61 percent of Washington law enforcement officers shot to death over a 30-year span were murdered by prohibited purchasers. As voters, we have the responsibility to do everything we can to protect the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect us.

Currently in Washington, handguns sold by one of the more than 1,100 federally licensed dealers are subject to federal background checks. This prevents felons, domestic abusers and the seriously mentally ill from buying guns. But these same individuals can buy a gun at a gun show or from an unlicensed seller online without a background check.

We know closing the loophole protects law enforcement officers. In the 16 states with background checks on all handgun sales, there are 39 percent fewer law enforcement officers murdered with handguns.

These aren’t just statistics — these are lives we can save. Please join me in voting “Yes” on I-594 to help make our communities safer.

ANN COOK

Bainbridge Island