GOA Responds to Gov. Hochul’s Expansion of Red Flag Law

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 19, 2022

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Gun Owners of America (GOA) Northeast Regional Director, Michael Csencsits, responded to New York Governor Kathy Hochul signing an executive order to expand the state’s unconstitutional “Red Flag” law, which permits police or family members to petition a state court for the temporary or permanent seizure of firearms from an individual. Csencsits issued the following statement:

“Despite making a threat last year, a review by local prosecutors has determined that the Buffalo mass murderer did not qualify for ‘red flag’ gun confiscation. To put it bluntly, attempted intervention by the state failed, and existing policies like ‘may-issue’ laws only put those in Buffalo at a greater disadvantage.   

In spite of this, Governor Hochul just signed an executive order to require state police to request these ‘extreme risk protection orders’ when people meet certain government designated criteria. Let’s be clear, requiring law enforcement to directly petition the seizure of arms from a judge only further invites opportunity for abuse and confiscation. 

This is just one more attempt by anti-gun politicians in Albany to trample on our rights.  In addition to this ‘red flag’ expansion, the Governor and legislators are proposing an expansion of the definition of a firearm and microstamping all new handguns sold in the state (which has been shown historically to not help in solving crime). 

These new gun control proposals would not have prevented this tragedy, but they will further infringe on law-abiding New Yorkers who deserve the right to carry arms in their own defense.” 

GOA spokespeople are available for interviews.

-GOA-

Source
GOA Responds to Gov. Hochul’s Expansion of Red Flag Law is written by Caroline Thorman for www.gunowners.org