Mohawk Valley Rep. Claudia Tenney, R-New Hartford, was in the Herkimer County village of Ilion Tuesday to announce her support of the plaintiff in a U.S. Supreme Court case regarding gun rights.
“The question is, in the Supreme Court case, is whether or not states can restrict someone from carrying a firearm–a handgun–a concealed carry permit for personal protection outside their home,” said Tenney.
The case, New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Corlett, was first introduced in Rennselaer County when two residents were denied concealed carry permits due to insufficient justification.
Now, Tenney is leading 168 other members of the House of Representatives in presenting a brief to the Supreme Court pushing for loosened restrictions on who can receive a concealed carry permit.
This effort came as Governor Cuomo declared a state of emergency Tuesday to tackle the recent surge in gun violence across the state. However, Tenney said lawful gun owners should not be punished for the unlawful actions of others.
“The problem is that the democrats in Albany and particularly in Washington tend to go attack the lawful gun owners instead of attacking the violence,” she said.
Tenney, who has led efforts to repeal the state’s SAFE Act, said the solution is providing easier access to guns for those who want to defend themselves.
“We need to make sure that we protect those people who need to protect themselves, especially now,” he said.
Tenney expects the case to be seen by the Supreme Court when their next session starts in October.
