Assemblyman Joe Giglio (R,C,I-Gowanda) today joined local law enforcement leaders to urge Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver to allow a vote on legislation that would stiffen penalties for illegal gun-trafficking when the Legislature returns to Albany on Wednesday.

Gov. George Pataki called for tomorrow’s special session to address the illegal gun measure and a bill that would increase penalties for criminals who injure or kill police officers.

Today’s press conference in Olean was held just weeks after the shooting deaths of two New York City police officers by criminals allegedly using illegally obtained guns, and four years after the Assembly majority started to block the gun-trafficking bill.

“Today, we sent a clear message to all New Yorkers,” said Giglio. “We are no longer going to let dangerous criminals illegally traffic weapons and let them off with a slap on the wrist. I applaud all those law enforcement officials who joined us here today, and I thank them for their support on this critical issue.”

Following the tragic events in New York City where Detective Dillon Stewart and Officer Daniel Enchautegui died in the line of duty during otherwise routine incidents, the Assembly minority conference has led the charge for immediate passage of illegal gun legislation to help curb senseless acts of violence against police officers.