New Yorkers Against Gun Violence

Working to Reduce Gun Violence Since 1993

New York Activists Praise City Council for Passing the Gun Industry Responsibility Act


(NY, NY) New Yorkers Against Gun Violence and its youth chapter ReACTiON Gun Violence, along with Million Mom March members and other concerned residents, praised the City Council today for passing a package of gun bills that will reduce the flood of illegal guns in New York City. Illegal guns are responsible for hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries each year.

The leading bill in this package is Intro. 365 -- The Gun Industry Responsibility Act (GIRA), sponsored by Councilmember David Yassky (D - Brooklyn). GIRA creates a "Code of Responsible Conduct" for gun dealers and manufacturers. If a dealer or manufacturer fails to comply with the code, they can be held financially liable to a victim of gun violence or their family. The legislation would be the first of its kind, while creating a national standard for the sale of only 1 gun per 30 days per person. GIRA is an incentive for gun manufacturers to use their selling power to make our neighborhoods safer by reducing the number of illegal guns on our streets.

Councilmember David Yassky referred to the passage of GIRA as a watershed moment in the gun violence prevention movement. Dr. Sheldon Teperman, Assistant Director of Trauma and Critical Care Surgery at Jacobi Medical Center stated, "As a trauma surgeon I've seen hundreds of gun violence victims on my operating table. I've had the sad task of informing too many mothers that the gunshot wounds in their child were just too extensive for repair. The bills passed today give me hope that I will have fewer victims pass through my door and fewer grieving family members to console."

Andy Pelosi, Executive Director, New Yorkers Against Gun Violence noted that hundreds of postcards from residents were sent to Speaker Miller requesting passage of GIRA. He said, "With over 85% of New York City's crime guns coming from other states, it's clear that New York City needs a fresh approach to stem the tide of illegal guns flooding our streets. The federal government has abdicated its role in finding a solution and has made it clear that this task lies with local governments. The City Council just demonstrated it is up to this challenge by passing Councilman Yassky's GIRA." He continued, "The gun industry knows what can be done to save lives. A dealer knows if they sell 20 guns to one individual that it is very likely those guns will end up used in a crime. Too many dealers go ahead and make the sale, and too many manufacturers encourage this practice. It's past time for these companies to take responsibility for their lethal product and work to ensure guns land in responsible hands."

Jackie Kuhls, NYAGV Public Policy Director added, "The New York City Council is giving the gun industry a wake up call. Either operate responsibly by implementing these common sense practices such as inventory controls and background checks, or be the subject of a lawsuit."

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