Metro

NYC bigs blast Republican gun bill

Republicans pushed a bill through the House Wednesday that would make it easier for gun owners to legally carry licensed concealed weapons across state lines — and into cities like New York.

The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act would allow gun owners with any state-issued concealed-carry permit to carry a handgun in any state that allows concealed weapons.

The bill, strongly backed by the National Rifle Association, now goes to the Senate, where the GOP holds a slight majority.

The move was blasted Wednesday by New York City law-enforcement authorities at a press conference in Times Square.

“New York City’s well-recognized success in the continued decrease in shootings and murder is in no small part a result of effective control of guns on our streets,” NYPD Commissioner James O’Neill said.

“Any measures that would contribute to the increase of firearms in New York could only jeopardize the level of safety that New Yorkers have benefited from through effective gun control. This proposed bill creates a real risk to public safety.”

Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. said the bill revealed “a shocking disregard for the lives of law-enforcement officers across the country” and those they are tasked to protect.

“By allowing people with dangerous histories and no training to carry loaded, concealed weapons across state lines, CCRA would impose weak gun laws on all 50 states,” he said.

Republican proponents said the measure would allow gun owners to travel freely among states without worrying about conflicting state laws or civil suits.

The House measure passed along a largely party-line vote, with all New York state GOP representatives voting aye, except Dan Donovan of Staten Island and Peter King of Long Island.

Rep. Elizabeth Esty (D-Conn.), called the bill an attempt to undermine states’ rights, “hamstring law enforcement and allow dangerous criminals to walk around with hidden guns anywhere and at any time. It’s unspeakable that this is Congress’ response to the worst gun tragedies in American history.”

Esty’s district includes Newtown, where, on Dec. 14, 2012, 20 first-graders and six educators were fatally shot at the Sandy Hook Elementary School by 20-year-old Adam Lanza, who had earlier killed his mother at their nearby home.

The guns he used had been legally purchased by his mother.

The NRA applauded the House vote. The concealed-carry bill “is the culmination of a 30-year movement recognizing the right of all law-abiding Americans to defend themselves and their loved ones, including when they cross state lines,” said Chris Cox, executive director of the group’s political and lobbying arm.

With AP