Federal Appeals Court Upholds New York Gun Laws

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled on October 24 that New York can enforce laws prohibiting firearms in 'sensitive' locations such as schools, hospitals, and public transportation while striking down regulations requiring concealed carry applicants to disclose their social media accounts. This decision aligns with a previous ruling from December 2023, which had allowed the enforcement of these restrictions despite a broader Supreme Court ruling that loosened gun regulations. The court maintained that while applicants must demonstrate 'good moral character,' the blanket ban on guns in privately owned properties accessible to the public was unconstitutional. New York's Concealed Carry Improvement Act, enacted after a racially motivated mass shooting, aims to curb gun violence while facing significant legal challenges. Governor Kathy Hochul praised the ruling as a victory for public safety, whereas gun rights advocates expressed frustration over the decision. The legal battle continues, as both sides prepare for further arguments on the constitutionality of the contested provisions.