NYCLA Task Force on Gun Violence – Statement re Kenosha Verdict

Statement of the NYCLA Gun Violence Task Force on the Verdict in Kenosha

The New York County Lawyers Association (NYCLA) has taken strong positions against the proliferation of dangerous firearms and has supported reasonable regulations to protect public safety. In that regard, NYCLA recently submitted an amicus brief to the United States Supreme Court supporting New York’s right to impose limits on the carrying of firearms in crowded, public places. In addition, the NYCLA Gun Violence Task Force recently submitted a public comment supporting proposed regulations that would help limit the proliferation of untraceable “ghost guns.” 

The events that unfolded in Kenosha, Wisconsin, during the protests arising from the shooting of Jacob Blake, have captured the attention of the nation. Whatever conclusions may be drawn from Friday’s verdict in the trial of Kyle Rittenhouse, one lesson is unmistakably clear. Guns are designed to kill, and the AR-15 style rife wielded by Rittenhouse is a particularly efficient killing machine. The proliferation of such weapons – and their open display and use in public places – is a recipe for tragedy. The NYCLA Gun Violence Task Force stands against the proliferation of such weapons and stands for reasonable measures to regulate their display and use in public places. Simply put, the proliferation, display, and use of deadly weapons in the public square does not make us a safer, fairer, or more just nation.

November 22, 2021

Footnotes

1. https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/20/20-843/193228/20210921151106953_NYCLA%20Amicus%20FINAL%20-%20SCOTUS%20NYS%20Rifle%20no.%2020-843.pdf
2. https://www.regulations.gov/comment/ATF-2021-0001-240744
3. The views expressed here are those of the NYCLA Gun Violence Task Force only, have not been approved by the New York County Lawyers Association Board of Directors, and do not necessarily represent the views of the Board.