FOLLOW US

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law legislation to prevent the mentally ill or other potentially dangerous individuals from possessing or purchasing a gun.

On Monday, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi joined Cuomo during the signing ceremony of the Red Flag Bill also known as the Extreme Protection Order Bill.

The newly-enacted law also empowers teachers and school administrations pursue court intervention to prevent potential gun violence. The Red Flag Bill will ensure that the school shooting in Parkland, Florida will not happen again. In that incident, multiple sources reported that the shooter was disturbed and dangerous, but he was able to purchase firearms.

In a statement, Cuomo said, "The United States loses more people to gun deaths than most developed nations. The first year of President Trump's administration, we lost 40,000 people to gun deaths - the highest number in 50 years. New York led the way by passing the strongest gun safety laws in the nation, but more must be done to end this carnage.”

Red Flag Bill doesn’t infringe people’s rights

In addition, the governor emphasized that the Red Flag Bill will save lives without infringing a person’s rights.

On the other hand, Pelosi commented, “These bills are bold and far-reaching, containing strong comprehensive solutions to save lives and end the crisis of senseless gun violence” in the country.

“Leaders in the State House and in the U.S. House must continue to work together to ensure that no other family is forced to endure the tragedy and heartbreak of gun violence…,” she added.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said, "I traveled to schools across the state with Governor Cuomo this past summer to push for common sense gun safety measures.”

She believes that the Red Flag Bill will help boost New York’s efforts to fight gun violence. It will also help the state prevent dangerous people from harming themselves and others.

Hochul said the “federal government failed to protect Americans.” The State of New York is “leading the way and enacting policies to help stop the senseless gun violence happening in our society and to help save lives.”

In May last year, Cuomo approved legislation to remove guns from the hands of domestic abusers. It also prohibits any person wanted for felony or other serious crimes from obtaining or renewing a gun license.