New Yorkers Against Gun
Violence
Working to Reduce Gun
Violence Since 1993
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 21, 2005
Evening
Advocates are Pleased
with Gun Trafficking Provisions
But Disappointed by
Lack of Consensus on Gun Dealer Requirements
Albany, NY,
New Yorkers Against Gun Violence (NYAGV), New York’s leading grassroots gun
violence prevention organization is encouraged by the agreement between the
Governor, State Senate and the State Assembly on legislation that makes it
easier to prosecute gun traffickers.
Jackie Kuhls, Executive
Director of NYAGV said, “This legislation should mean a significant increase
in the number of gun trafficking prosecutions in New York, a number that has
been much too low in the past. We would like to see the Governor lead the
way with a gun trafficking task force that will ensure this law is
effectively used throughout the state, particularly in cases where the gun
traffickers cross jurisdictional lines.”
Kuhls continued, “NYAGV is
disappointed though, with the absence of gun dealer responsibility
requirements in the final agreement. These provisions are a critical part
of a comprehensive state-wide strategy to reduce the number of illegal guns
on our streets. According to the ATF, gun dealers are the single largest
source of illegal crime guns, just 1% of dealers are responsible for over
50% of crime guns.
Kuhls closed, “While we are
glad that it will be easier for law enforcement to prosecute gun trafficking
cases, more could have been done to dry up the source of illegal guns.
Unfortunately, crime guns will continue to flood our streets and law
enforcement will have ample opportunity to use the new gun trafficking law.”
Contact: Jackie Kuhls
917-587-4108
3 West 29th St.
Suite 1007 New York, NY 10001