I am a resident of New York deeply concerned with our current gun laws that seem more focused on protecting criminals rather than law-abiding citizens. My life and the lives of my fellow citizens are shaped by these regulations that detrimentally hinder our ability to protect ourselves and our families.

Constitutional carry or permitless carry, is the legal carrying of a handgun, openly or concealed, without the need for a license or permit. The phrase "constitutional carry" reflects the view that the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution does not abide restrictions and licensing pertaining to carrying a handgun. It is invoked in 21 states, providing lawful owners with an unbridled right to self-defense (source: National Conference of State Legislatures, 2021).

Unfortunately, New York is not currently among these states, causing people like myself to question the fairness and purpose of gun laws that seem to compromise our safety. Our concerns are supported by statistics from the FBI Crime Data Explorer, which indicates an alarming rise in violent crime rates in New York, further justifying the need for lawful citizens to carry for self-defense.

It's time for New York to evolve its stance on gun laws with respect to self-defense, beginning with establishing it as a constitutional carry state. This potential change does not encourage reckless usage of guns but empowers law-abiding citizens with a lawful measure of protection. Let’s make public safety a priority and uphold the rights of citizens. I strongly urge you to sign this petition to voice your support for these measures.