Federal judge blocks parts of NY’s new concealed carry law

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 October 2022 at 4:27 pm

‘It is deeply disappointing that the judge wants to limit my ability to keep New Yorkers safe and to prevent more senseless gun violence.’ – Gov. Kathy Hochul

A federal judge issued a ruling today, temporarily blocking provisions of New York’s concealed carry law.

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the legislation on July 1 and it took effect on Sept. 1.

But U.S. District Judge Glenn Suddaby said the NY laws were “unconstitutional.” The state sought to create gun-free zones and a requirement that applicants submit social media information for review.

The ruling keeps gun restrictions in place at schools, government buildings and places of worship. But the judge said state couldn’t ban guns from other sensitive locations, such as Times Square.

The state has three days to seek emergency relief from a federal appeals court.

Gov. Kathy Hochul issued this statement: “In the wake of the Supreme Court’s reckless decision that reversed decades of established law amid a national gun violence crisis, the State Legislature and I acted decisively to keep New Yorkers safe. The Concealed Carry Improvement Act was carefully crafted to put in place common-sense restrictions around concealed carry permits.

“While this decision leaves aspects of the law in place, it is deeply disappointing that the Judge wants to limit my ability to keep New Yorkers safe and to prevent more senseless gun violence. We are working with the Attorney General’s office to review the decision carefully and discuss next steps in an appeal. I will continue to do everything in my power to combat the gun violence epidemic and protect New Yorkers.”

State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt issued this statement: “Today’s decision is a victory for the Constitutional rights of all New Yorkers.

“Albany’s political ruling class has repeatedly parroted a false narrative that law-abiding firearm owners are the root of increasing crime in our communities. Nothing could be further from the truth.

“It is One Party Rule that’s made New York less safe with their bail ‘reform’ and other criminal-coddling policies.

“Instead of appealing today’s decision, and continuing their unconstitutional political assault on New Yorkers’ freedoms, the Governor and her Legislative allies should close the revolving door of violent, repeat offenders they opened with their pro-criminal agenda.”

New York Attorney General Letitia James issued this statement: “Today’s decision comes in the wake of mass shootings and rampant gun violence hurting communities here in New York and across the country. While the decision preserves portions of the law, we believe the entire law must be preserved as enacted. We will appeal this decision.

“Common-sense gun control regulations help save lives. I will not back down from the fight to protect New Yorkers from repeated and baseless attacks on our state’s gun safety measures. I will continue to defend our responsible gun laws and fight for the safety of everyday New Yorkers.”

Assemblyman Steve Hawley of Batavia applauded U.S. District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby’s suspension of the Concealed Carry Improvement Act. Hawley issued this statement:

“Since the emergency session, I, along with many of my constituents have been fighting to eradicate this unreasonable new law. Gov. Hochul needs to open her eyes to the clear wrongdoings of her policies in Albany. I am extremely grateful to those, such as Judge Suddaby, who understand how unconstitutional this law truly is and are working to protect our Second Amendment rights.”