By Natalie Duddridge
Watch the press conference: https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nyc-council-looking-to-crack-down-on-gun-trafficking-and-dealers/
NEW YORK — Several City Councilmembers will introduce a new bill Thursday aimed at reducing gun violence.
As CBS2’s Natalie Duddridge reported, it focuses on the illegal flow of firearms into the five boroughs.
“We don’t react until we see mass shootings. We don’t react until we see a little kids being murdered. But what we want to say is it’s happening every day in our community,” community advocate Stephanie McGraw said.
A rash of mass shootings from Buffalo to Uvalde, Texas have put pressure on politicians. However, community members and leaders say day-to-day gun crimes on New York City streets are just as alarming.
Outside City Hall on Thursday morning, Councilman Shaun Abreu discussed his new bill to address gun violence.
“It tracks the type of guns coming into our city — semi-automatic or a pistol. It tracks where it’s coming in from,” Abreu said.
The proposed legislation would also require the city to coordinate with the NYPD and submit an annual report on firearms that includes where the gun was last sold, who the dealer is, and whether it’s a ghost gun or 3D-printed gun.
“Let’s say it’s coming from the George Washington Bridge. That means we have to have a very serious conversation with the governor of New Jersey. How are we going to address this hotspot right here? How can states work together to address this crisis?” Abreu said.
Abreu is also preparing for the worst as the Supreme Court is poised to strike down a New York law that prohibits the the carrying of guns outside the home. The court’s opinion expected in the coming weeks.
“It absolutely scares me to death,” said Sheffali Welch of the group Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense.
Meanwhile, last week a group of bipartisan senators outlined modest reforms to the nation’s gun laws.
“For the first time in close to 30 years, Congress seems ready to reject the vice-like grip the NRA has had on the Congress,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said.
The proposal includes enhanced background checks for gun buyers under 21, incentives for states to implement red flag laws, and funding for mental health services. Negotiators are still working to finalize the text.
“It just keeps happening. Shots ring out, flags come down, and nothing changes … except here in New York,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said.
Hochul signed a 10-bill package that includes prohibiting the sale of semi-automatic weapons to those under 21 and banning most body armor sales for civilians.
As for the latest state gun laws, the bulk of them will go into effect in 30 days, while the new age for purchasing rifles will go into effect in 90 days.