Last July, the Supreme Court of the United States threw a bucket of cold water on the fierce fight that the State of New York has been waging against firearms, after annulling a law enacted more than a century ago , which imposed restrictions on the carrying of concealed weapons outside the home.
But as a way of counterbalancing the dangerous decision, the state Legislature approved a package of harsh regulations, which will come into force as of this Thursday, September 1 in all corners of New York, and that seeks to prevent the Big Apple from becoming “an armed camp of fear and mistrust.”
This was announced by the mayor, Eric Adams, after unveiling a comprehensive plan to educate and inform all New Yorkers about changes to state gun laws, including regulations such as further revisions to eligibility requirements, firearms training courses and the creation of “sensitive areas ” where weapons may not be carried.
“The Court Supreme, instead of nullifying what we have been doing, it should have duplicated what we have been doing, and we would have saved lives in the process, “said the local president, warning that New York will continue to do everything in its power to protect the lives of New Yorkers, who so far in 2022 have already lived more than 924 shootings, with 1,115 victims. Police actions have also managed to remove 4,700 weapons from the streets.
“ We have been put in the line of fire and we must respond accordingly. The radical decision they made (the Supreme Court) endangers us all. But here in New York, a place known for freedom, openness and diversity, we will stand up for ourselves,” Adams emphasized, noting that those states that have opened up their gun laws have terrifying data on deaths from gun violence.
In addition to public service announcement campaigns, the Mayor mentioned that there will be staff educating New Yorkers on the ground and stressed that in sensitive areas such as hospitals, churches, schools, theaters, parks, entertainment venues and places like the famous area of Times Square, it will be forbidden to carry firearms, even hidden in cars.
“We want that they know about the new laws and what they mean for New Yorkers. The city is putting up signs around Times Square letting people know the area is a gun-free zone,” the mayor said. “We have to say that we are a gun-free zone. And so, licensed weapons carriers and others will not be able to enter with a weapon, unless the law specifically authorizes the contrary (as in the case of uniformed men).”
The Mayor’s announcement is comes just as NYPD figures reveal shooting incidents last month increased by 13, 4%, with 687 violent acts, being Brooklyn, southern Queens and Staten Island, the areas with the largest spikes. In addition, murders increased in July, by 40,3%, with 47 cases, but also arrests: 2,752, which are 2.4% higher than those of 2021.
Governor Kathy Hochul joined the announcement, and after attacking the Supreme Court for having opened a door to more deaths by firearms in New York and the country, As well as the pain and trauma that these shootings mean, he gave his word that with actions and the implementation of legislative changes, he will defend New Yorkers tooth and nail.
“As Governor, my number one responsibility is to keep all New Yorkers safe. That is why, when the time came for the Supreme Court’s decision, we were prepared for it”, said the state president, who warned that what is least needed now is more weapons in the streets.
“In response to the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down New York’s century-old concealed carry law, we took swift and thoughtful action to keep New Yorkers safe…In New York State, we will continue to lead the way and implement common sense about gun safety,” added Hochul, explaining that another law will increase to 21 years the age to be able to buy semi-automatic weapons and that they will be strict in enforcing the non-carrying of weapons in sensitive areas. “We have worked hard to remove weapons from the streets and we don’t need people carrying weapons in schools, bars, on the subway, in restaurants. That makes us less safe”.
The new regulations on the use of weapons in New York also include strengthening the background check of buyers, including interviews and review of their social networks, the prohibition of have weapons not stored in residences where minors live years, the change in the renewal of weapons permits, no longer every five years, but every three, as well as the workshops on armed violence.
“The violence has to stop and we have to protect our people. We are going to make that happen, because there are rules and we have to follow them and we are going to hold everyone accountable for it,” added the state leader, while reaffirming the commitment to continue working with community organizations and young people who interrupt violence and opportunities and struggles against trauma. “When we see the signs, we must connect the dots and see that certain individuals can harm themselves or others and we must act.”
The commissioner of the New York City Police Department York (NYPD), Keechant L. Sewell, stressed that the new laws will help curb gun violence and warned that the police take their responsibility very seriously.
“None of the new requirements that going into effect regarding the legal possession of firearms changes the fact that the NYPD remains prepared to ensure public safety in Times Square and elsewhere in New York City,” the Commissioner said. “The NYPD’s focus on detecting and intercepting illegal weapons, and arresting those who possess them illegally, remains the cornerstone of our ongoing fight to eradicate gun violence.”
Philip Banks III, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety of New York, highlighted the work that the NYPD has done with various agencies to enforce the law and prepare for and educate about the new regulations.
“Ignorance of the law is not an excuse to break it, but we are still committed to make it very clear to every resident and visitor what the provisions and effects of this new legislation are,” the official said. “What this decision does not change is the fact that the New York police and all of our public safety agencies remain focused on protecting this city.”
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand pointedly mentioned that the new gun-free zones will help keep communities safe from gun violence.
“We still have more work to do, but New York leaders are working diligently at the federal, state, and city levels to keep our streets safe and end the epidemic of gun violence,” said the federal legislator.
Representative Jerrold Nadler, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee praised New York for having taken steps to require concealed carry license applicants meet more eligibility requirements and complete a training course.
“These actions today will make New Yorkers more They are safer and tell anyone that New York will do everything in its power to ensure the safety of its residents and visitors,” said the politician.
New York City Council President Adrienne Adams warned that the new laws will counterbalance the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the concealed carry law.
“The leaders of our state government acted quickly and responsibly in passing regulations to prioritize our safety, including designating locations sensitive areas like Times Square as gun-free zones,” said the head of the municipal body. “It is also imperative that the city take measures so that both residents and visitors are clear about the new law and the designated areas where the carrying of weapons is restricted.”
Details on the implementation of the new firearms laws in NY
- The carrying of weapons is prohibited in sensitive areas such as the subway, buses, hospitals, churches, schools, parks, kindergartens, theaters, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, entertainment areas and places like Times Square.
- In New York the change sought is that from the Street 40 to Calle 115 between the Sixth Avenue and Eighth Avenue, and from Street 40 to Street 48 between Eighth Avenue and Ninth Avenue cannot carry firearms.
- Arrests for firearms under the new laws could result in up to four years in prison.
Secure storage requirements will be expanded if children under 18 years old or anyone prohibited from owning a weapon lives in a household with firearms, rifles, and shotguns
Gun violence in NYC in numbers
- 2021 shootings have been recorded in the city so far from 2022
- 1,115 victims has d left gun violence this year
- 178 shootings were recorded in July
- 157 There were shootings in July of last year
- 13,4% increased shootings last month
- 48 deaths left those shootings in July
- 28, 3% was the increase in the number of fatalities
- 129 victims left armed acts in the last 28 days
- 30 shootings were recorded just last week
- 28 victims stopped those acts
- 4,700 firearms have been seized this year in New York City
- 2752 people were arrested in the first seven months for firearms
- 2.4% increased arrests, compared to 2,687 arrests in the same period of 2021