New York to respond to Supreme Court decision with citywide gun buyback program and potential special legislative session

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D).
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

New York state and city lawmakers immediately responded to Thursday's Supreme Court decision.
The 6-3 decision struck down a century-old NY gun law requiring a permit for concealed carry guns.
A New York City council member announced plans to introduce a city-wide gun buyback program.

New York is responding to Thursday's Supreme Court decision with a city-wide gun buyback program and a potential special legislative session in Albany.

With a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court struck down a century-old New York law which not only required residents to get a permit to carry a concealed weapon, but also made applicants demonstrate "proper cause" to carry one outside of their homes.

At the city level, Democratic New York City Councilwoman Carlina Rivera announced plans shortly thereafter to introduce a bill establishing a gun buyback program, a measure taken by several other countries that has resulted in a reduction in gun homicides and suicides.

"In light of the Supreme Court stripping New York of our ability to sensibly regulate who can carry a handgun publicly, we have no choice but to use every means at our disposal to get these guns off our streets before they take another life," Rivera, who is also running for the open 10th Congressional District split between Manhattan and Brooklyn, said in a press release.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul also promised to build on the gun control package she signed earlier this month.

—Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) June 23, 2022

"In response to this ruling, we are closely reviewing our options – including calling a special session of the legislature," Hochul tweeted. "Just as we swiftly passed nation-leading gun reform legislation, I will continue to do everything in my power to keep New Yorkers safe from gun violence."

Hochul faces a primary challenge from Rep. Tom Suozzi of Long Island and New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams that will be decided on Tuesday.

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