U.S. News
Times Square is now ‘Gun Free Zone’ as New York’s new law takes effect
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- ‘Gun free zone’ signs have been posted in Times Square after a new state law, which restricts where guns may be carried in public, takes effect Sept. 1.
- Times Square is just one of many “sensitive” locations in New York where guns are being banned.
- Critics, however, say “sensitive” locations make it hard for gun carriers to move about anywhere in public at all.
Times Square in Manhattan, New York has newly erected signs that say “Gun Free Zone.”
Times Square is just one of many “sensitive” locations in New York where guns are being banned. The new state law, which restricts where guns may be carried in public, takes effect Sept. 1.
State lawmakers passed the law on July 1 in response to a Supreme Court decision in June that struck down a law that required gun owners to have “proper cause” for a permit to carry a handgun.
The law draws new legal challenges as critics argue it puts too many restrictions on where people have a right to carry guns.
According to New York’s law, residents applying for concealed carry permits have to complete 16 hours of classroom training, plus two hours of live-fire exercises. Additionally, applicants are required to provide a list of their social media accounts for three years’ worth for a “character and conduct” review.
Gun owners are now restricted from bringing guns to areas deemed “sensitive,” including government buildings, schools, churches, subways, theaters, amusement parks, and Times Square, among others.
People can carry a gun in private businesses with a sign posted in a window that it’s allowed.
People are debating what exactly are the boundaries for Times Square, according to The New York Times. Residents and some business owners thought the city’s proposal of map boundaries for Times Square was too expansive.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the new law was passed because the high court’s decision “destroyed the ability for a governor to be able to protect her citizens from people who carry concealed weapons anywhere they choose.”
New York was among several states that had parts of their gun laws invalidated by the Supreme Court decision. California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey all swiftly ushered in new gun rules, while Hawaii is also weighing its options.
Critics say “sensitive” locations make it hard for gun owners to move about in public. Gun owners have to take specific steps to move through restricted areas like Times Square.
Source: USA Today
Colby Goodson
September 4, 2022 at 7:10 am
Well criminals rarely follow laws so law abiding citizens need protection everywhere.
Ruth Broch
September 4, 2022 at 7:20 am
Exactly. Now only the criminals will have guns. New Yorkers: Get rid of the Democrat Party in your state and cities. They are killing you!
I was a born, bred and educated New Yorker. Thank G-d I no longer live there. I am appalled at what has happened to my once great city!
Addie Dixon
September 4, 2022 at 12:25 pm
In complete agreement, same here, so sad.
Roland
September 4, 2022 at 7:57 am
A unconstitutional law is not a law and nobody has the right to institute one. Those that try to do so are criminals and are open for criminal prosecution for violating the constitutional rights of American citizens. Which is a treasonous act and should be punished accordingly.
Kohn
September 4, 2022 at 4:32 pm
HEAR! HEAR!! “No truer words be spoken”
The problem is that ALL NEW YORKERS must UNITE AGAINST THIS!!!
I was born and bred in Astoria Queens but moved out in 2002 and am glad I did.
MY STATE has been Literally Destroyed by the Demorats and should be OUSTED IMMEDIATELY. They are nothing but money hungry MORONS and DON’t CARE about the people or their safety!!!
sorry for the rant!
James
September 4, 2022 at 8:10 am
Not surprised new york did this. The pass a law where you will be homeless if you misgender someone or call them by she or he when the person is born as a male or female. Newyork shall see a increase in homelessness soon.
Angie D
September 4, 2022 at 9:15 am
What a joke. Gun free for law abiding people. Expect a massacre to occur in this Gun Free Zone.
Ron
September 4, 2022 at 11:19 am
Does the Democratic party have an ounce of common sense left? I grew up in the 50’s and 60’s in a democratic loving family. The party was so much difference and actually cared about we the people, the opposite of what it is today. I have been a proud, patriotic member of the Republican party since Ronald Ragen. Joe Biden can kick rocks calling us Republicans all the things his party is actually guilty of. Vote Red and save our Republic!
CPO Bill
September 4, 2022 at 1:58 pm
There will now be more illegal and stolen guns than ever! FJB! EFF Horechel!
Elinor Ann DeMendonca
September 4, 2022 at 3:10 pm
I agree with all comments above and feel New York Politicians have ruined the point of our Constitution. We are “WE THE PEOPLE” and resent the non-law abiding people. They need to “put a lid on it.” They are wrong, wrong, wrong.
Ken
September 4, 2022 at 10:04 pm
TELL THAT TO THE CRIMINALS!!!!
Ken
September 4, 2022 at 10:05 pm
Tell that to the criminals!
Jim
September 5, 2022 at 2:30 pm
Another STUPID idea of the demoncRATs.
Cajun
September 5, 2022 at 5:49 pm
Times Square should be a thug-free-zone.