N.Y. Appeals To Keep Law Banning Guns In Times Square Blocked By Federal Judge

New York State Attorney General Letitia James appealed to prevent a federal judge’s ruling against a restrictive state gun law from taking effect.

U.S. District Judge Glenn Suddaby in Syracuse, New York, ruled last week that a law passed in July banning the use of firearms in “sensitive” places, including Times Square and public transportation.

According to Suddaby, the law violates the right to bear arms granted by the Constitution.

The Concealed Carry Improvement Act was enacted during an emergency session in the summer as a response to a major Supreme Court ruling in June overturned a century-old law that restricted the use of guns in New York state.

The stay asked by James through an emergency motion would remain in effect while the state formally appeals the ruling.

“This common-sense gun control legislation is critical in our state’s effort to reduce gun violence. We will continue to fight for the safety of everyday New Yorkers,” James said in a statement.

In his ruling, Suddaby argued that banning guns from places like Times Square, public transportation and bars has no historical basis.

He cited a 19th-century law in Kentucky and Tennessee that specifically permitted the carrying of concealed weapons “on a journey” to support his point.