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Following Tireless Advocacy from Volunteers, Westchester County Passes Gun Ordinance Requiring Gun Dealers to Post Informational Warning Signs for Customers

5.24.2022

The New York chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots networks, released the following statements applauding the Westchester County Board of Legislators for passing a local gun safety ordinance that will require gun dealers to post signage with specific language about the public health risks associated with access to unsecured firearms. The ordinance will also require the county clerk — who is responsible for issuing and renewing the permits required to purchase handguns — to provide a copy of the firearms risk warnings to all permit applicants.


“No matter how much the gun industry wants us to believe that more guns makes us safer, gun owners need to know the risks involved with having guns in the home — and the life-saving importance of securely storing them,” said Barry Graubart, a volunteer leader with the New York chapter of Moms Demand Action. “We are so thankful to the Board of Legislators for passing this important ordinance and creating change in the name of local gun safety.”


“I sponsored this ordinance because gun ownership is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly,” said Vedat Gashi, member of the Board of Legislators and co-sponsor of the ordinance. “All gun owners and potential gun owners should know and understand the public health risks that come along with  firearms. I am heartened that my fellow board members joined me in taking this important action to keep the people of Westchester County safe.”


“Gun violence prevention is something that needs to be addressed at every level of government,” said Jewel Williams Johnson, member of the Board of Legislators and co-sponsor of the ordinance. “Too many people are unaware of the life-altering consequences of the tragic outcomes that are all-too-often a consequence of the presence of firearms. I am proud to have co-sponsored this legislation to help inform the people of Westchester on the public health risks associated with access to a firearm in the home.”


The passage of the ordinance comes following recent changes to state law, wherein gun dealers across New York are now required to post signs informing customers about the state’s secure firearms storage laws.


In an average year in New York, 870 people die by guns and an additional 2,607 people are wounded. Gun violence costs New York $5.9 billion each year, of which $321 million is paid by taxpayers. More information on gun violence in New York and Westchester County is available here.