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New York County Lawyers Association Issues Statement on Buffalo Mass Shooting
statement-letter
New York County Lawyers Association Issues Statement on Buffalo Mass Shooting
Statements & Letters
Published On:
May 16, 2022
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
May 16, 2022
Contact: Toni Valenti
tvalenti@nycla.org
New York County Lawyers Association Issues Statement
on Buffalo Mass Shooting
In the wake of the horrifying act of racially motivated gun violence this past weekend in Buffalo, we at NYCLA convey our deepest sympathy to the families, friends and colleagues of the victims, and to all the citizens of Buffalo and throughout New York State who shared our dismay. There is no place in our society for racial hostility or discrimination, much less deadly violence which happens far too often. We join Governor Hochul in her call for more sensible regulation of firearms. Also, we have expressed our support for regulations restricting ghost guns and legislation that would hold the gun industry accountable for irresponsible marketing practices.
We note, too, that the shooter used an assault rifle similar to an AR-15, which he purchased lawfully, and modified it to include a high-capacity magazine, which is illegal in New York State. This horrific instance once again raises the all-too-familiar question of whether it is sensible to permit the sale of military-grade firearms to civilians, especially to those who have shown a history of unstable or threatening behavior.
There is a case pending before the Supreme Court of the United States, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, seeking to strike New York’s gun licensing and concealed carry gun regulation law, in which a decision is expected next month. If the New York law is stricken it will only make it easier for people like the perpetrator of these heinous shootings to obtain and carry weapons they can use against persons like the ten left dead in Buffalo. NYCLA filed an amicus brief in the case supporting the New York law. We hope the Supreme Court will do what we regard as the right thing, and uphold the law, so that the citizens of Buffalo, and throughout New York State, and indeed the entire country, can be safer from gun violence.
About the New York County Lawyers Association
The New York County Lawyers Association (www.nycla.org) was founded in 1908 as one of the first major bar associations in the country that admitted members without regard to race, ethnicity, religion or gender, and has a long history of supporting the rights of LGBTQ+ people. Since its inception, NYCLA has pioneered some of the most far-reaching and tangible reforms in American jurisprudence. For more information on NYCLA please visit nycla.org.
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