Paulin Says, "Unrestricted Access to Concealed Firearms Poses a Massive Threat"

New York State has had some of the strictest gun control laws in the nation. In fact a law that dates back to 1911 restricts the right to carry a concealed gun in public places, unless the bearer shows proper cause for carrying a firearm for self defense.

The constitutionality of that law is now before the Supreme Court of the United States, who is hearing a case called “New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen." The petitioners contend that it is their constitutional right to carry the guns, if the owners have permits.

However, Rebecca Fischer, Executive Director of New Yorkers Against Violence says, “This is an NRA-driven lawsuit that really is intended to not only bring more guns in public and sell more guns for-profit for the gun industry, but also to overhaul common sense gun laws across the country ….. Time and time again empirical evidence shows that states with weak right-to-carry laws that allow more concealed carry, more open carry in public, have higher rates of gun violence.”

Scarsdale’s State Assemblymember Amy Paulin has championed gun control legislation in New York and said the following about this challenge to our laws at the Supreme Court.

“Enacting stricter gun laws for New York State has always been one of my top priorities as a legislator,” said Assemblymember Amy Paulin. So having New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen before this Supreme Court is of great concern to me. Unrestricted access to concealable firearms poses a massive threat to public safety. That’s not just common sense, but it’s also supported by data in states which allow concealed guns – all which have higher rates of gun violence.”

“Imagine every time you go to Times Square, a sports event, or a concert, and everyone is legally allowed to carry a gun?” continued Paulin. “Plus these are occasions where alcohol is often consumed. All it would take is one person to cause incredible devastation. It’s terrifying. If New York can no longer restrict who can carry a concealed weapon, we are going to be at a very great risk of gun violence.”