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NYS Legislature passes warning sign law for gun stores


(Photo by Steven Pappas/WHAM, June 10, 2024)
(Photo by Steven Pappas/WHAM, June 10, 2024)

Bergen, N.Y. (WHAM) — New York state lawmakers recently passed a bill that would require gun stores to post a warning sign at the front of their shop about the risks of owning firearms in an effort to combat gun violence.

Brandon Lewis, owner of The Firing Pin Indoor Shooting Range and Gun Shop in Bergen, feels the bill,which passed through the state's assembly and senate, singles out legal gun dealers and dances around the root of gun violence.

“We just see this as attacking the symptoms as opposed to the root issue, of trying to solve some of these societal problems that we have,” Lewis said. “Are car manufacturers going to have to say you’re more likely to get in a car accident by buying this vehicle?”

The warning sign would state: "Access to a weapon or firearm in the home significantly increases the risk of suicide, death during domestic disputes, and/or unintentional deaths to children, household members and others. If you or a loved one is experiencing distress and/or depression, call the national suicide prevention lifeline at 988."

Rochester City Councilmember Willie Lightfoot, who also serves as chairman of the ROC Against Gun Violence Coalition, is licensed gun holder himself, and says the bill is a step in a good direction— though it's still not enough.

“We want to be very clear that there’s no attack against gun dealers and legal gun owners," Lightfoot said. "However, we need to do our due diligence to those 10 percent of gun dealers who are operating immorally, unethically. We also are advocating for more inspections. Some of these gun dealers are only inspected once every 10 years. We’re looking for annual inspections of these gun dealers.”

MORE:ROC Against Gun Violence Coalition hopes to relaunch 'Think About It' campaign|'Wear Orange Day': Local hospital raises awareness for child gun violence|New findings released from last year's gun trace data report

Lewis feels like the new warning sign will be a launchpad for more restrictions in the future.

“We definitely see this as a stepping stone, almost making firearms like cigarettes, and how they’re now just seen as an overall negative in society," Lewis said. "We ignore any positive the firearms might have."

He also said there's an inherent risk in purchasing a firearm legally, and said the warning sign has no effect on gun safety.

That bill still needs to be signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul before being put into law.

MORE:Federal ghost gun law set to expire in March; Schumer leads push to renew legislation|Rochester-area gun store hosts safety course for 1,000 potential pistol permit holders

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