NEW YORK—The first comprehensive legislation in the country to crack down on illegal trafficking of guns was revealed on Tuesday at a press conference at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Manhattan. The legislation was authored by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) who introduced the bill at the press conference.
A line of speakers attended the press conference, including Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly.
The Gun Trafficking Prevention Act creates legislation that stretches from top to bottom in tackling the illegal smuggling of firearms. It targets buyers, sellers, smugglers, organizers, and those conspiring to do so.
“The fact is that nearly 90 percent of the guns used in crimes in New York City come from out of state,” said Gillibrand. “An estimated 90 percent of these guns are illegal.”
In reference to kingpins who organize gun trafficking rings and others in the chain, Gillibrand added that the new legislation “makes it clear that these people are criminals and should be prosecuted.”
The bill will allow the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to hire an additional 1,500 officers to track down illegal gun traffickers. It also creates new laws against trafficking firearms, and holds stiffer penalties against violators.
A line of speakers attended the press conference, including Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly.
The Gun Trafficking Prevention Act creates legislation that stretches from top to bottom in tackling the illegal smuggling of firearms. It targets buyers, sellers, smugglers, organizers, and those conspiring to do so.
“The fact is that nearly 90 percent of the guns used in crimes in New York City come from out of state,” said Gillibrand. “An estimated 90 percent of these guns are illegal.”
In reference to kingpins who organize gun trafficking rings and others in the chain, Gillibrand added that the new legislation “makes it clear that these people are criminals and should be prosecuted.”
The bill will allow the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to hire an additional 1,500 officers to track down illegal gun traffickers. It also creates new laws against trafficking firearms, and holds stiffer penalties against violators.
