In 2007, 878 violent crimes were committed using guns in Manhattan.
“Thankfully, murder rates in Manhattan remain low, but that’s no comfort to anyone whose loved one has been a victim,” stated Mr. Aborn. “We need a plan to crack down on gun violence by going after guns at their source, deploying micro-stamping technology to better identify guns used in crimes, and fighting for tougher restrictions on the buying and selling of them. As DA, I’ll continue my life-long dedication to combating guns so every resident or visitor in Manhattan can feel safe,” he added.
The five points in Mr. Aborn’s proposal to combat gun violence include:
1. Interstate collaboration to share information and resources to fight gun trafficking.
According to Mr. Aborn, the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) does not have the resources to work on the large number of trafficking cases, and no central database of trafficking data currently exists. Linking databases from different states will allow for interstate identification of the large traffickers, thereby enabling law enforcement to focus on the primary suspects. The ATF reported that 85.9 percent of traced guns used in New York City crimes come from outside the state.
2. Implementation of law enforcement programs to keep guns off the streets.
Mr. Aborn proposed the creation of the gun buyback program with monetary incentives, and improvement of the “Consent to Search” program that allows parents to permit police to search their homes for guns without incurring criminal charges if guns are found. Both programs have been successful in other parts of the country. He also called for the establishment of the Gun Violence Task Force consisting of NYPD & community organizations.
3. Requirement for all pistols legally sold in New York to include micro-stamping.
Micro-stamping technology imprints a ballistic fingerprint onto the bullet when a shot is fired, thereby enabling police to trace the gun even if it is not left at the scene of the crime. A bill co-sponsored by Assembly Member Michelle Schimel and State Senator Eric Schneiderman to require micro-stamping has been passed in the State Assembly and is pending action from the State Senate. A similar legislation has been passed in California.
4. Implementation of a state-wide five-year renewal process for handgun permits.
Currently, only New York City and several surrounding counties are allowed by the state to have a renewal process for handgun permits, whereas all other counties issue a life-time permit. Requiring the five-year renewal process for residents of all counties would facilitate improved tracking of guns across the state.
5. Strengthen national strategy to ensure that guns don’t fall into wrong hands.
Mr. Aborn was a key contributor to the development of the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act and the Assault Weapons Ban. Mr. Aborn plans to work with the members of Congress to reinstate Assault Weapons Ban.
He also called for closing the loophole that allows people to buy guns at gun shows from individual retailers without undergoing a background check. People who buy guns from dealers at these shows are required to go through a background check, which ensures that criminals do not purchase guns. A legislation to close this loophole was passed by the U.S. Senate twice before, but was interjected in the House by the National Rifle Association (NRA).
Mr. Aborn urged federal lawmakers to repeal the Tiahrt Amendments, which restrict cities and states from accessing federal data on gun trafficking patterns and prohibit ATF from requiring dealers to annually inspect their inventory to make sure no guns are lost or stolen. Nearly 30,000 guns were found missing in a 2007 ATF inspection of approximately 10 percent of the gun dealers nationwide.
“When it comes to keeping people safe from gun violence, Richard Aborn takes a back seat to no one in America,” said Jackie Hilly. “Richard has literally dedicated his adult life to stopping guns before they hurt our loved ones. I fully support his plan to keep us safe here in Manhattan, and encourage others to rally behind it as well,” she added.
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