Today, Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (D-Sag Harbor) issued the following statement on the news that the Supreme Court of the United States overturned a 1913 New York statute which required applicants for concealed carry permits to demonstrate ‘proper cause’ that goes beyond general safety concerns:

Assemblymember Fred Thiele said, “Today’s Supreme Court decision puts more New Yorkers in harm’s way and imperils the safety of law enforcement officers. In the aftermath of the racist attack on Buffalo and the tragic shooting in Uvalde, Texas, I supported crucial legislation to strengthen New York’s gun laws and help keep our communities safe. The Supreme Court ruling, which undermines commonsense, decades-old gun safety laws, is a setback for New York, but it will not deter my Assembly colleagues and me from fighting to protect New Yorkers from the scourge of gun violence. I am prepared to return to Albany for a special session to help pass gun control laws that can withstand Supreme Court scrutiny and to continue prioritizing our communities’ right to feel safe.”