Mayor Bloomberg and a bi-partisan coalition of Mayors and law enforcement officials including NYC Police Commissioner Ray Kelly joined NY Junior Senator Kristan Gillibrand and Long Island Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy to introduce legislation to crack down on gun trafficking. Proposed changes in state and federal law, with respect to the sale and possession of firearms that have been transported from outside New York State.
For those not familiar with NY politics Kristan Gillibrand was appointed by Governor Patterson to fill Hillary Clinton's Senate seat. A relatively unknown conservative democrat congresswoman from a rural upstate NY district, Gillibrand had a 100% approval rating from the NRA. She has been criticized for her position by state Democrats and Republican Mayor Bloomberg.
Carolyn McCarthy who was first elected to Congress in the 90's campaigning for gun control measures after her husband was killed and her son severely injured, on a Long Island Rail Road commuter train when a mass murderer, opened fire on passengers. McCarthy was considering challenging Gillibrand in a democrat primary for the Senate seat. Rudy Giuliani is also considering running for the seat for a second time since he recently announced he will not run for Governor. Maybe he too will change his long-time pro gun-control position.
The Gun Trafficking Prevention Act of 2009
The Gun Trafficking Prevention Act makes it illegal to traffic or assist in the trafficking of a firearm, making it unlawful to deliver or receive two or more firearms where the individual knows or has reason to believe that the firearms are being, or will be, used in a felony.
Coincidentally this week 2 men who operated a Florida-to-New York gun trafficking ring were indicted after selling more than 40 guns to undercover cops. Most of the guns were purchased at pawn shops and gun shows in Florida, then sold fully loaded in Brooklyn.
"We'll accept oranges from the sunshine state but not guns," said NYPD Commissioner Kelly at a press conference. According to Kelly crime is down to record levels in NYC. NYPD officers put their lives on the line everyday. NYC has made 350 arrests for illegal guns this year.
90% of all gun crimes in NYC come from out of state guns.
Most illegal guns into NYC come from PA, VA and the Florida to NY pipeline.
Bloomberg also blamed "extremists in the pro-gun movement for the nations lax gun laws. According to the mayor's office, his proposal "would increase the class of the offense by one level. For instance, the charge of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, currently a Class-C Felony, would become a Class-B Felony, if the gun were determined to be from outside the state."
The Mayor wants background checks before guns are exchanged and tougher penalties for the sale and possession of firearms that have been transported from outside New York State. The Mayor believes this will help prevent a terrorist attack.
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