Cuomo's New Emergency Hopes To Quell Gun Violence [POLL]

NEW YORK — With New Yorkers just coming out of the state of emergency for the coronavirus, Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared another emergency Tuesday — this time regarding gun violence.

He called his executive order establishing a "disaster emergency" a matter of "life and death."

"We cannot afford not to commit ourselves 100 percent to this effort," Cuomo said during a news conference.

The governor said that gun violence was a public health crisis and it must be treated like one.

The order was paired with a $138 million plan to curb a spike in shootings that has plagued the state since the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

During the 4th of July weekend, at least 51 people — 26 of whom were in New York City — were shot across the state. At least 13 people died.

Besides treating gun violence as a public health emergency, the seven-step plan would also include targeting hot spots with data, fostering positive engagement with youth who are at-risk, breaking the escalating cycle of violence, getting illegal weapons off the streets, removing weapons from dangerous people and rebuilding relationships between police and the community.

Reaction to Cuomo's plans from many New York Republicans was swift.

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro, a Republican, said Cuomo and the Democratic leadership in Albany were at fault because they dismantled the criminal justice system, undermined public safety and threatened the well-being of alleged assailants.

However, the owner of a firearms and accessories dealer in Putnam County said the new plan wouldn't affect responsible gun shops and gun owners like himself.

Edward Ryan of Precision Armory said Cuomo was going to target communities where gun violence is committed and where firearms are used for crimes.

"A lot of this gun violence is with illegal firearms that have been brought from down South up here," he said.

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