This is a blow to all supporters of stricter gun control. The Supreme Court on Thursday invalidated a New York state law restricting the carrying of weapons. In doing so, the highest American court enshrines the right of Americans to go outside their homes armed. The decision was taken by a majority of six judges out of nine, all conservatives.
The law in question – in force in New York State since 1913 – limited the carrying of handguns outside one’s home. The Supreme Court ruled that this local law violated the individual’s right to “possess and bear arms,” guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Joe Biden “disappointed”, the NRA is jubilant
In the wake of the announcements, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul lamented a “dark day”. It is “outrageous, absolutely outrageous that they have taken away our rights to enjoy sensible restrictions” on guns, she said. “We may have limits on free speech, but there are none in the Second Amendment,” the governor blasted.
New York State is one of the strictest states when it comes to carrying firearms. It will be a little less after the decision of the Supreme Court. A judgment “contrary to common sense”, reacted Joe Biden who said he was “deeply disappointed” by the decision rendered by the highest court in the United States.
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For its part, the National riffle association (NRA), the all-powerful pro-gun lobby of the United States, hailed a victory. On Twitter , the association pointed out that with this decision, the Supreme Court had declared “unconstitutional” the “restrictions” on the carrying of firearms contained in New York law. The appeal against this law was originally filed by two gun owners and the local branch of the NRA.
A country bereaved by shootings
This decision by the Supreme Court of the United States comes as the country is still in shock after a series of deadly shootings. The latest, which occurred on May 24 at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, killed 21 people, including 19 children. “When for God’s sake are we going to face the gun lobby?” “, had already questioned Joe Biden after the killing.
Ten days before the Uvalde massacre, a racist massacre claimed 10 victims in a Buffalo supermarket. A city located in the state of New York.