In Wake Of SCOTUS Ruling, Should NY Enact Gun-Free Zones? [POLL]

NEW YORK — On Thursday, the United States Supreme Court issued a decision that New York's limit on who can carry concealed weapons was unconstitutional.

The major victory for gun-rights advocates was a 6-3 decision written by Justice Clarence Thomas.

He wrote that the New York law, in effect for more than a century, forced anyone seeking to carry a gun outside their home to go through an extensive review process and required them to prove they had a special need to do so, such as working as a security guard or having been threatened.

Thomas said the law violated the Second Amendment but specified that states still have the right to create gun-free zones, though with limits.

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The New York City Council suggested state legislation that would have the effect of dubbing the entire city of New York as a "sensitive location." However, Thomas implied that would not pass muster.

Slate Supreme Court writer Mark Joseph Stern tweeted the ruling dramatically expands the scope of the Second Amendment.

Outgoing Justice Stephen Breyer, in his dissent, said the court should consider what dangers and consequences of gun violence lead to regulation of firearms.

Reaction in New York was swift. Gov. Kathy Hochul said the ruling was shocking.

"We can have restrictions on speech," she said. "You can't yell fire in a crowded theater, but somehow there's no restrictions allowed on the Second Amendment."

Hochul took time on Friday to remind gun owners that were no immediate changes to gun policies and permitting processes. The Supreme Court decision does not automatically give current residential permit owners the ability to carry guns outside the home.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY, called the decision irresponsible and dangerous.

She said the nation was in the midst of a gun violence epidemic, and the court made it easier for dangerous people to carry concealed weapons in public.

Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah said the ruling would make it harder for prosecutors in New York and around the country to keep their communities safe from gun violence.

Former Westchester County executive Rob Astorino, who is vying to be the next Republican gubernatorial candidate, said the ruling was "terrific" news.

"The current system that allowed judges to arbitrarily decide who gets a permit and who doesn't was unconstitutional," he said. "The Supreme Court got it right."

Now it's your turn to weigh in on the issue. Vote in our unscientific poll and tell us why in the comments.