Trump Administration’s Proposed Rollbacks Open Door for Dangerous Individuals To Obtain Firearms and Make it Harder to Hold Bad Actors in Firearms Industry Accountable
Governor Takes Immediate Action to Preserve Public Safety by Prioritizing State Police Inspections of Firearms Dealers Linked to Crime and Expanding Scope of Interstate Task Force on Illegal Guns
Governor Will Explore Legislative Actions to Require In-Person Sale of Firearms
State Launches Public Awareness Campaign Targeting Gun Dealers to Remind Them of New York State Laws
Note: The Republican opponent for New York Governor, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, opposed Governor Hochul’s gun safety regulations after the Trump Supreme Court overturned the state’s century-old gun law, and said he wanted to ease access to gun licenses and people should be able to carry guns into religious centers. Governor Hochul, during her term, has worked to reduce the number of guns imported into the state from states with lax gun laws, joining a regional consortium. Trump Administration – and his Attorney General designee Todd Blanche – have declared their love of a Second Amendment without any restrictions or regulation despite the United States having the highest rate of gun violence in the world. An average of 117 to 122 people die from gun-related injuries each day in the United States, according to recent data from the Pew Research Center and public health tracking, a rate that is 26 times higher than peer “developed” countries. This total includes suicides, homicides, accidents, and law enforcement actions.–Karen Rubin/editor@news-photos-features.com
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced actions in response to the Trump Administration’s proposed rollbacks that would make sweeping and dangerous changes to federal firearms regulations. Earlier this year, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced changes to more than 30 rules that will make it easier for dangerous individuals to obtain firearms and harder to hold bad actors in the firearms industry accountable. In response, New York State is taking action by increasing enforcement and education and exploring legislative changes that will blunt the effect of many of these changes and preserve public safety.
“Time and time again, we see the Trump Administration concede to the gun lobby, and these rollbacks are yet another giveaway that will have devastating and dangerous effects across the country,” Governor Hochul said.“ While the federal government paves the way for increased firearm trafficking and putting guns in the hands of those who should not have them, New York State is taking action to blunt their efforts by bolstering our nation-leading gun laws and committing to closing the loopholes that put lives in jeopardy.”
Firearm dealers operating in New York must obtain licensure at the federal and state levels, but action against licensees happens almost exclusively at the federal level. The ATF’s proposed rollbacks are a clear abdication of their responsibility to hold bad actors accountable and keep firearms out of the hands of dangerous individuals, requiring states to increase their enforcement against bad actors.
Governor Hochul announced the following actions alongside the New York State Police and members of New York’s gun safety coalition, including representatives from Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action, Giffords, Brady United and New Yorkers Against Gun Violence:
Immediate Actions
Prioritizing State Police Inspections of all Firearms Dealers who are Linked to Crime Guns
New York will step up oversight and enforcement to ensure that its state-licensed dealers are complying with the rigorous standards imposed by law. NYSP will prioritize onsite inspections of all dealers who are determined to be the source of crime guns and will work with the Office of the Attorney General to increase enforcement on dealers who are repeatedly traced to crime guns when appropriate.
Expanding the Scope of the Interstate Task Force on Illegal Guns
Originally convened by Governor Hochul in 2022, New York’s Interstate Task Force on Illegal Guns includes local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont. The scope of this Task Force will expand to combine resources, share information, and develop strategies to combat increased public safety threats. Governor Hochul has directed Task Force members to reconvene to develop a coordinated interstate response to the ATF rollbacks and commit to regular information sharing related to crime guns located in one state that were purchased in another state.
Launching a Public Education Campaign Targeted at Firearm Dealers
New York State is launching a public awareness campaign and increased enforcement operation targeted specifically at gun dealers to remind them that many of New York’s strong laws remain in effect notwithstanding the federal regulations and must be followed despite the federal rollbacks. The campaign, which will feature direct mailers and emails to firearm dealers and firearm licensing officials, will focus on ATF rollbacks that state law prevents from having practical effect. This will be developed by the Division of Criminal Justice Services in close coordination with the New York State Police.
Legislative Actions
Requiring the In-Person Sale of Firearms
The ATF rule changes would allow for online sales of firearms. At the start of the next legislative session, Governor Hochul plans on introducing legislation to amend the penal law to require in-person sale of firearms. This law change would align firearm sales with ammunition sales, which are required to be done in-person.
Since taking office, Governor Hochul has committed more than $4 billion to public safety initiatives and doubled funding to combat gun violence in New York communities. Governor Hochul also partnered with 11 other states to intercept weapons along the I-95 corridor, enhance Red Flag Laws to keep guns away from individuals that are a risk to themselves and others, and strengthened New York’s concealed carry laws in response to the Supreme Court’s reckless Bruen decision. As part of the FY 27 Enacted Budget, Governor Hochul sustained record-level investments in prevention, intervention and enforcement, including addressing emerging threats as 3-D printed guns and DIY machine guns.
“Here in New York, I’ve been laser focused on this since I was elected back in 2022,” Governor Hochul stated. “Top priority. Crime was off the charts back then. I said, “It is unsustainable. We cannot keep this, this violence in our streets, the bloodshed, it has to stop. Today.” We now have gun violence at an all-time low in New York State. All-time low. It’s not an accident. It’s about investments in public safety and police, historic investments. Smart, targeted law enforcement — seizing illegal guns at record rates, going after emerging threats like those 3D-printed ghost guns. We banned those. We banned those. You know what we also did in our budget? We also banned the sale of the 3D printers in the state of New York, so even if you wanted to make your kitchen table into a munitions factory, you can’t do that anymore without facing down the law of the State of New York. Okay? So that was just done a couple months ago.
“But also, I believe one of the reasons we’re safe is because we’ve made investments and support our advocates in the streets…
“New Yorkers are safer today, more than they were just a few short years ago. But I’m not going to let the rogue cops in Washington undermine our progress.
“My administration will make sure our laws are enforced, and today, I’m announcing that New York State Police will ramp up on-site inspections at all gun dealers — you are on notice — that are linked to firearms and recovered at a crime…
“A background check is everything, it’s so critical. Also, mental health screening — we need to know. There’s people who should not have a gun in their hands, and the federal government doesn’t give a damn. But we do, we do. So you’re not going to be able to give someone a gun, sell a gun to someone without a mental health screening, because you’re going to be in for a rude awakening. This is New York. Welcome to a state that actually likes keeping people alive. We like keeping people alive in this state. So if you don’t follow our laws, oh, boy, consequences. Our police will work directly with our Attorney General, Tish James, and our District Attorneys to shut you down…Follow the laws or we’re shutting you down. And we’re not stopping at our own state borders. No, in New York, 80 percent of the guns recovered at crime scenes originate in other states — 80 percent, 80 percent. So to help fill the void, what I’m going to do is reconvene our Interstate Task Force on illegal guns,” Hochul said.
State Senator Zellnor Myrie said, “As the federal government rolls back common-sense public safety measures, New York is stepping up to protect our communities. I was proud to write the first state law in the nation taking on reckless and irresponsible gun dealers, and today’s actions build on our work to hold bad actors accountable. We will always put safe streets, subways, schools and neighborhoods ahead of the gun industry’s profits.”
Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages said, “Our safety should never be compromised, especially not because of weakened federal oversight. As Washington rolls back basic and commonsense firearm regulations, New York is stepping up to protect our communities and to keep guns out of the hands of those who pose a danger. These actions will reinforce our state’s longstanding commitment to preventing gun violence while at the same time respecting responsible gun ownership. I am grateful to Governor Hochul for being clear-eyed and proactive on this issue.”
Assemblymember Monique Chandler-Waterman said, “As the Co-chair of the Subcommittee on Anti-Gun Violence of the NYS BPHA Caucus I stand with my colleagues along with the Governor to do all we can to advance gun safety legislation. We will not stand idle while the federal government rolls back common sense gun safety law. We will continue in the effort to keep our communities safe by keeping illegal guns off the streets, increasing interstate partnership, enforcement, and the education on best gun safety practices. In addition we will continue to advocate for more investments in wrap around services for our youth and families. That includes expanding access to safe spaces like Community Center Concepts in schools, afterschool programs, and stronger support for survivors. We understand that public safety requires common sense legislation and investments in prevention through youth programs, community spaces, and services that help survivors heal and rebuild.”
Senior Firearms Industry Advisor at Everytown for Gun Safety and Former Associate Assistant Director of Field Operations at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives Marianna Mitchem said, “These changes proposed by the ATF prioritize gun industry profits over human lives. They will exacerbate our national gun violence epidemic and undermine public safety in communities across New York State. I want to thank Governor Hochul for the steps New York is taking to protect its communities from gun trafficking and I want to encourage all local and state leaders to step up and follow her example. It is deeply disappointing that the agency I dedicated my career to has decided to cater to the gun industry rather than properly regulate it. But I am hopeful that with actions like those announced today, our communities will not be the ultimate victims of this Administration’s dangerous decisions.”
GIFFORDS Executive Director Emma Brown said, “The Trump administration says it’s tough on crime, but its record says otherwise. They are de-funding law enforcement, dismantling commonsense gun safety rules, and making our communities less safe. With these ATF rule changes, the administration’s actions threaten to undermine years of progress in reducing gun violence, meaning it’s more important than ever for state leaders to take bold action and fight to protect public safety. We’re grateful to Governor Hochul for her continued leadership on public safety, and her continuing the fight to keep New Yorkers safe.”
New Yorkers Against Gun Violence Executive Director Rebecca Fischer said, “At a time when the ATF is rolling back critical gun safety regulations that help prevent illegal gun trafficking and keep firearms out of dangerous hands, Governor Hochul is making it clear that New York will not lower its standards. While Washington weakens protections, New York is strengthening them. These proactive actions will help protect New Yorkers, reinforce our nation’s strongest gun safety laws, and send a clear message that public safety comes before politics. New York has proven that strong gun safety laws save lives, and we’re proud to stand with Governor Hochul as she continues to lead the nation in preventing gun violence.”
Brady: United Against Gun Violence President Kris Brown said, “The proposed changes to the ATF will categorically put communities across the country in danger. They are not technical adjustments — they are sweeping structural changes that will reshape how guns are bought and sold in America, a country where gun violence is the number one killer of kids. Rolling back common-sense gun violence prevention measures will make it easier for prohibited purchasers to obtain guns, harder for law enforcement to solve and prosecute gun crimes, and increase the likelihood for ‘mass casualty events.’ We cannot stand idly by and let this happen. We thank Governor Hochul for taking action with us to prevent fallout from these proposed changes and to keep New York communities safe.”
Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark said, “I commend Governor Hochul for taking bold action to protect New Yorkers from gun violence. The proposed changes to federal firearm regulations threaten the progress our state has made in keeping our communities safe. Allowing firearms to be sold online without requiring an in-person transaction undermines responsible gun safety measures and puts lives at risk. I support the Governor’s effort to codify the requirement for in-person firearm sales into New York State law. In the Bronx, we know all too well the pain and devastation that has struck so many families. Just last weekend, an innocent 12-year-old child was tragically killed after being caught in the crossfire. We must continue advancing thoughtful, commonsense legislation that strengthens public safety, protects our neighborhoods, and helps prevent more families from experiencing trauma and loss from gun violence.”
Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon said, “At a time when Staten Island and New York City have witnessed historic decreases in homicides and acts of gun violence, the federal government’s decision to roll back firearm safety regulations is the wrong decision at the wrong time and needlessly jeopardizes public safety. These sweeping changes would weaken background checks, make it easier for dangerous individuals to obtain and traffic deadly firearms, and undermine the progress we have made in the fight against gun violence. Simply put, the ATF’s proposed rollbacks are bad for public safety and for the communities my office is tasked with protecting, and I commend Governor Hochul for her swift efforts to counteract these dangerous policies and protect New Yorkers across our State from the deadly scourge of gun violence.”
Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal said, “I’m extremely grateful to Governor Hochul for her plan to stop the flow of illegal guns into New York through the infamous ‘Iron Pipeline.’ While Donald Trump is making it easier for trafficked weapons to hit the streets of New York City, Governor Hochul is fighting back at the state level. The Governor will blunt the impact of Trump’s dangerous changes to our gun laws at the federal level by prioritizing State Police inspections of all firearms dealers linked to crime guns, expanding the scope of the Interstate Task Force on Illegal Guns, aligning requirements for firearm background checks with ammunition requirements, and exploring a number of legislative fixes in Albany. The result will be a safer Manhattan and New York City.”
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson said, “Gun violence and the proliferation of guns in our neighborhoods is a public health crisis that is affecting communities across our state that requires our immediate action and attention. Every day, families in the Bronx are forced to confront unimaginable grief, and far too many of our young people are growing up in fear instead of opportunity. Despite this White House administration’s attempts to roll back progress, I am grateful to Governor Hochul for her leadership and commitment to keeping our streets safe. Together, we must continue fighting to protect our children, support impacted families, and ensure that every youth in our city can thrive without the shadow of gun violence.”
Earlier this year, Governor Kathy Hochul launched a statewide public service announcement (PSA) campaign to promote secure firearm storage and raise awareness about safe storage options and how to prevent firearm misuse. Led by the New York State Office of Gun Violence Prevention (OGVP) within the Division of Criminal Justice Services and developed in partnership with Brady: United Against Gun Violence and the Ad Council, the campaign is part of New York’s comprehensive approach to strengthening public safety and reducing firearm deaths and injuries.
Biden-era gun regulations, instituted when gun violence hit new peaks during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as Hochul’s efforts to reduce gun violence have been successful.
“New York continues to make historic progress reducing gun violence and making our communities safer,” Governor Hochul said. “At the same time, we know too many firearm tragedies happen in homes and involve family members, children and loved ones. This public education campaign will empower gun owners with information and resources on how to securely store their firearms, helping protect their families and prevent needless injuries and deaths.”