[title]
Update: Mayor Eric Adams signed legislation on Tuesday outlining the boundaries of Times Square as a “gun-free zone,” despite the federal judge’s ruling, according to The New York Post.
“The law remains in effect and will continue to be enforced, both in the city and throughout the state,” Stephen Louis, Executive & Chief of the Legal Counsel Division, NYC Law Department, said in a statement. “We’re waiting on an appeal while the attorney general has begun the appeal process to the Second Circuit. And until they make some further determination, we will continue to enforce the law.”
New York’s attempt to keep people from bringing concealed guns into Times Square has been blocked by a federal judge this week.
When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a New York law that limited people from carrying concealed handguns in June, state lawmakers and Governor Kathy Hochul responded by passing a new law that banned the carrying of firearms in “sensitive locations” that include Times Square, the subway and bus systems, bars, libraries, schools, poll sites, entertainment venues and more.
To that effect, digital signs were placed at Times Square’s borders alerting the public they were entering a “gun-free zone.”
RECOMMENDED: NYC may soon pay you for reporting illegally parked cars
But according to Syracuse federal Judge Glenn Suddaby in a ruling on Thursday, the state’s ban “does not appear permissible” and therefore cannot be enforced by police, according to the New York Post. The decision was in response to a challenge to the ban from Gun Owners of America.
In the 53-page ruling, the judge says the new rules go against the Constitutional right to carry a firearm for self-defense purposes.
Suddaby issued temporary restraining orders against the state from enforcing the ban in Times Square and other “sensitive locations,” but did allow the ban to stay in place for government buildings, polling places, special events in public spaces, houses of worship, schools and protest rallies, the Post says.
State Attorney General Letitia James said she’ll appeal the judge’s ruling.
Our communities are plagued by gun violence, and we must be able to enact common-sense laws to protect New Yorkers.
— NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) October 6, 2022
My office will appeal today’s ruling on our state's concealed carry gun laws and continue to fight for the safety of every New Yorker.
Hochul voiced her displeasure on Twitter as well, saying that “It is deeply disappointing that a Judge wants to limit my ability to protect New Yorkers and prevent gun violence.”
“I will continue to do everything in my power to combat the gun violence epidemic and protect New Yorkers.”