A new law that Gov. John Kasich signed Monday will prohibit New Yorkers from purchasing semiautomatic rifles. Kathy Hochul made New York the first state to implement a major gun control initiative after a spate of mass shootings.
Hochul, a Democrat signed 10 bills related to public safety, including one that requires microstamping new firearms. This could help law enforcement solve gun-related crime.
Another revision was made to the "red flag" state law. This allows courts to temporarily remove guns from individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others.
"In New York we are taking bold and strong action. Hochul spoke at a Bronx press conference, saying that red flag laws are being tightened to keep guns from dangerous people.
The bills were passed by New York's Legislature last week. This was after two mass shootings in which semiautomatic rifle-wielding 18-year old gunmen were involved. A racist attack on a Buffalo grocery store that killed ten Blacks resulted in the deaths of ten others. Nineteen children and two teachers were killed in a Texas school shooting 10 days later.
New York's quick response to gun violence illustrated how divided Republican and Democratic leaders are.
Texas Governor. Greg Abbott stated that after Uvalde's massacre, the government should improve security and provide resources for mental health. However, the Republican states that stricter gun laws will not work. Republican Governor Tennessee Governor Bill Lee shared similar sentiments Monday after gunfire at a Chattanooga nightclub that left three people dead, and many others wounded.
New York City has already banned handgun ownership for most under-21s. Other types of long guns will be permitted for those 18 years and older, including shotguns or bolt-action rifles.
New York's new law requires that all semiautomatic rifle purchasers obtain a license. This is not required for handguns.
Although advancing in the U.S. House of Representatives, a federal bill that would make semiautomatic weapon buyers 21-years-old is being considered in the Senate.
Only a handful of states require that people be 21 in order to legally purchase firearms. Florida is one such state. A 19-year old gunman had killed 17 students at a high school.
Hochul also signed Monday's bill that restricts sales of armor and vests with bullet resistance to certain occupations.
According to the governor, New York will continue to invest to prevent gun-related crime by working with local communities and strengthening laws by pressing Congress.
Hochul stated, "Today is only the beginning. It's not the end." This is not something that prayers and thoughts can fix, but strong action will. We will do this in the name and honor of those who have lost their lives, for the parents who cannot see their children getting off the school bus.
