(New York, NY) The tragedy in Isla Vista underscores the urgent need for Congress to take action to pass universal background checks to keep guns out of the wrong hands. However, GOP candidate for governor, Rob Astorino, said this most recent mass shooting doesn’t show the need for more gun safety laws. He has also said he would repeal the landmark NY SAFE Act, passed by a bipartisan legislature in January 2013.
The New York SAFE Act not only requires universal background checks but also enhanced reporting requirements for individuals who may harm themselves or others.
The evidence is clear that the law is working to keep guns from dangerous people:
- There were 4.5% fewer shootings in 2013 than there were in 2012.
- Thirty-two individuals have been charged with possession of a weapon on school grounds, which the SAFE Act elevated from a misdemeanor to a class E felony.
- Local authorities have identified and revoked the outstanding pistol permitsof 83 individuals disqualified under federal law from possessing firearms.
- Nineteen individuals have been charged with possession of a loaded firearm when committing another crime, either a violent felony offense or drug trafficking felony, a charge that did not exist before the SAFE Act.
- Thirty-five individuals have been charged with criminal purchase or disposal of a weapon, including “straw” purchases (buying or giving a firearm to someone who can’t legally possess it), which the SAFE Act elevated from a misdemeanor to a class D felony.
Leah Gunn Barrett, Executive Director of NYAGV, said, “Despite the clear success of the NY SAFE Act, Rob Astorino wants to repeal a law which is working to keep guns out of the wrong hands, is supported by over two-thirds of New Yorkers, and has been repeatedly upheld in both federal and state courts. New York is standing up for the safety of New Yorkers whereas Rob Astorino and Congress are pandering to the corporate gun lobby.”
New Yorkers Against Gun Violence is a statewide advocacy group working to reduce gun violence through advocacy and education designed to encourage action, influence public opinion and lead to policy change. With a primary focus on New York State, the organization also advocates at the local and national levels for sensible laws, policies and practices that protect New York State residents from gun violence. www.nyagv.org.
