Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday the state will fight back after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the state's century old law requiring residents to show a need to get a concealed carry license.
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State lawmakers say they're ready for a possible special session.
State Senator Sean Ryan says he was shocked by the high court's ruling. "There is an abundance of evidence that the proliferation of firearms results in more violent crime, and putting more guns on New York’s streets will only make it easier for criminals to get their hands on them," says Ryan. He adds the concept of the state being able to regulate guns in public places predates the formation of America. "So it's almost like we're operating with a brand new constitution today," adds Ryan.
Ryan says the state legislature will look at the ruling and come up with a response. "We're gonna go look to see the rules that we could pass within the bounds of the Supreme Court's decision," says Ryan. He says the law that the court struck down was a New York City statute. "It had a limitation and if you have a license to carry license to have a handgun in New York City, where and how you can carry it in the city. So we'll look at reducing the the barriers of that law to would be within the bounds of the court's decision," says Ryan. He adds previous challenges to New York State law have occurred over the last century. Each time they were upheld,
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Assemblymember Patrick Burke says he wasn't surprised by the court ruling. "Considering the makeup of the Supreme Court, the influence of the NRA, Clarence Thomas being the one who makes a decision, I'm disappointed but not surprised," says Burke. He reminds us elections have consequences. "This isn't just a Donald Trump Supreme Court, but it's a Charles Koch Supreme Court and I expect more very, very clear partisan, less legal decisions to be made like this," predicts Burke.
Burke anticipates Governor Hochul calling a special session in light of this. "We have to have a meeting of the minds here," says Burke. "We're going to get together and I do expect us to do something. I don't know how effective, I will have to we'll have to review what legislation we can possibly do," adds Burke.
Ryan says he's concerned about the safety of New Yorkers as a result of the ruling. "All the data shows more guns on the street leads to more confrontations being settled with guns as opposed to words or God forbid fisticuffs," notes Ryan. He fears there could be guns at churches, donut shops and sporting events.