ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is touting a package of executive orders and gun control bills in the aftermath of a racist attack on a Buffalo supermarket. The Democrat’s executive orders would require state police to seek court orders to keep guns away from people who might pose a threat to themselves or others. New York is among states that have a so-called “red flag” law. It allows law enforcement officials to petition a court to take away someone’s guns if they’re potentially dangerous because of a mental health problem. Appearing with the governor Wednesday, the Rev. Al Sharpton said racism and violence pose an “existential threat to this country.”
Photo: May 18, 2022— New York City — In the wake of last weekend’s senseless deadly shooting at a Buffalo Supermarket, Governor Kathy Hochul, joined by Rev. Al Sharpton and elected officials, outlines new proposals Wednesday afternoon in an effort to stop dangerous individuals from getting deadly weapons. Governor Hochul announced that she would sign an executive order creating the state’s first-ever office of counter terrorism which she said would focus on domestic terrorism. The governor also called on the state legislature to pass a package of bills that she said would close loopholes in state laws and provide law enforcement with more tools to fight gun violence, including requiring that police report gun crimes within 24 hours and requiring microstamping on semiautomatic pistols sold in New York. (Kevin P. Coughlin / Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)
