New York Democrats Make Times Square a Gun-Free Zone, Even for Concealed Carry Permit Holders

As part of their response to the Supreme Court’s (SCOTUS) ruling in NYSRPA v. Bruen, New York Democrats secured legislation making Times Square a gun-free zone, even barring concealed carry permit holders from carrying for self-defense.

On June 23 Breitbart News reported SCOTUS’s Bruen ruling, which struck down New York’s proper cause requirement for concealed carry.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) and the state’s Democrat-run legislature responded by enacting numerous new gun controls, including a list of “sensitive” areas where the carrying of guns would be prohibited.

CNN noted that Times Square is now a designated “sensitive” area. The ban on carrying a gun in that area takes effect on Thursday.

“Gun-Free Zone” signs are supposed to be posted around Times Square on Wednesday, even as lawmakers continue to work on the precise boundaries of the gun-free area.

FOX News / Associated Press quoted from Hochul’s statement, issued when she signed the carry restrictions in July:

The Supreme Court issued a reckless decision removing century-old limitations on who is allowed to carry concealed weapons in our state — senselessly sending us backward and putting the safety of our residents in jeopardy. Today, we are taking swift and bold action to protect New Yorkers. After a close review of the NYSRPA vs. Bruen decision and extensive discussions with constitutional and policy experts, advocates, and legislative partners, I am proud to sign this landmark legislative package that will strengthen our gun laws and bolster restrictions on concealed carry weapons.

The NYC.Gov website makes clear that the gun-free policy taking effect in Times Square applies to licensed concealed carry permit holders too.

AWR Hawkins is an award-winning Second Amendment columnist for Breitbart News and the writer/curator of Down Range with AWR Hawkins, a weekly newsletter focused on all things Second Amendment, also for Breitbart News. He is the political analyst for Armed American Radio and a Turning Point USA Ambassador. Follow him on Instagram: @awr_hawkins. Reach him at awrhawkins@breitbart.com. You can sign up to get Down Range at breitbart.com/downrange.