New York Governor, Kathy Hochul and Attorney General, Letitia James Prioritize Implementation of Red Flag Laws; Everytown, Moms Demand Action, and Students Demand Action Applaud

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 Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James for prioritizing the implementation of Red Flag Laws, and increasing the Attorney General’s Fiscal Year budget to $4.6 million which will go towards adding dozens of staff positions to support State Police in their efforts to obtain Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO) and prevent firearm access by individuals in crisis. The legislature passed a bill to strengthen New York’s red flag law following the tragic shooting in Buffalo. With the law increasingly being put to life-saving use, the Attorney General’s office plays a vital role not only in seeking these orders but providing legal assistance to the State Police and other stakeholders as they work to remove fireams from dangerous situations. 

“Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James continue to show why New York is a leader in the fight against gun violence,” said Laura Burns, a volunteer with the New York chapter of Moms Demand Action. “Keeping our communities safe means stopping gun violence before it happens. Ensuring Red Flag Laws are properly implemented is crucial to keeping guns out of the hands of individuals in crisis, preventing firearm suicides and other acts of gun violence, and keeping our loved ones and communities safe. We are grateful for the work we have been able to accomplish together, and we will continue to partner with Governor Hochul, Letita James, and other New York leaders who are working to protect New Yorkers so we can avoid tragedies such as the racist mass shooting in Buffalo” 

Everytown for Gun Safety partnered with The State Division of Criminal Justice Services to host a webinar in August to educate law enforcement about their responsibilities. More than 800 people registered for the training, which is available to the public and has been viewed over 2,400 times since being posted in early September.

In an average year in New York, 870 people die by guns and 1,991 people are wounded. Gun violence costs New York $11.4 billion each year, of which $301.2 million is paid by taxpayers. More information on gun violence in New York is available here.