ALBANY, New York – New Yorkers under the age of 21 will be banned from buying semi-automatic rifles under a new law signed Monday by Gov. Katie Hochul, making the state one of the first to take a major initiative to control weapons after a wave of deadly mass shootings.
Hochul, a Democrat, has signed 10 bills related to public safety, including one that will require micro-stamping in new firearms, which could help law enforcement detect weapons-related crimes.
Another revised the state’s Red Flag law, which allows courts to temporarily confiscate weapons from people who could pose a threat to themselves or others.
“In New York, we are taking bold and decisive action. “We are tightening red flag laws to keep guns out of dangerous people,” Hochul told a news conference in the Bronx.
New York’s legislature passed the bills last week, pushing for changes after several mass shootings involving 18-year-old gunmen using semi-automatic rifles. Ten blacks were killed in a racist attack on a supermarket in Buffalo on May 14. A shooting at a school in Texas killed 19 children and two teachers 10 days later.
Most people under the age of 21 have already been banned from owning guns in New York. People aged 18 and over will still be able to own other types of long weapons, including rifles and bolt-action rifles.
Part of New York’s new law will also require all buyers of semi-automatic rifles to obtain a license, something that is now only required for pistols.
Hochul also signed a bill Monday that would limit sales of bulletproof vests and armor to people in certain professions.
The governor said New York would continue to invest in the prevention of gun crimes by partnering with local communities and continuing to strengthen laws by putting pressure on Congress.
“Today is the beginning and not the end,” Hochul said. “Thoughts and prayers will not fix this, but decisive action will. We will do this in the name of lost lives, for parents who will no longer see their children getting off the school bus. “
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Maysoon Khan is a member of the Associated Press / Report for the America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a national non-profit service program that accommodates journalists in local newsrooms to report on secret matters. Follow Maysoon Khan on Twitter.
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