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Rep. Lisa McClain, Chairwoman

Press Releases

SCOTUS Strikes Down New York’s Unconstitutional Restrictions On Concealed Weapon Permits

Washington, DC, June 23, 2022

Today, the Supreme Court struck down New York state’s system for issuing concealed weapons permits, ruling that the restrictive law requiring that applicants demonstrate “proper cause” violates the Second Amendment. In writing the 6-3 majority opinion, Justice Clarence Thomas wrote, “Because the State of New York issues public-carry licenses only when an applicant demonstrates a special need for self-defense, we conclude that the State’s licensing regime violates the Constitution.” The case was brought when two Upstate New York residents, joined by the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association, sued after a county licensing official denied them the carry privileges they sought. This decision comes after Reps. Claudia Tenney, Elise Stefanik, and 175 additional Members of the U.S. House of Representatives filed an amicus brief supporting the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association. At least six other Democratic-led states – including California, Maryland and New Jersey – have licensing regimes similar to New York's. Together, those states represent about a quarter of the nation's population. GUN OWNERS BY THE NUMBERS:

  • According to a recent survey of industry retailers, at least 5.4 million people purchased a firearm for the first time in 2021.

  • Nearly 47 percent of first-time gun buyers in 2021 inquired about training and 43 percent signed up for training.

  • Nearly 23 percent of retailers indicated that first-time gun buyers in 2020 purchased another firearm in 2021.

  • Over 33 percent of first-time gun buyers in 2021 were women.

  • 44 percent of retailers saw an increase of African-Americans purchasing firearms in 2021.

  • Nearly 40 percent of retailers saw an increase of Hispanic-Americans purchasing firearms in 2021.

  • Over 27 percent of retailers saw an increase of Asian-Americans purchasing firearms in 2021.

  • Over 18 percent of retailers saw an increase of Native-Americans purchasing firearms in 2021.

  • Nearly 14 percent of retailers saw an increase of Native-Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders purchasing firearms in 2021.

IT’S SIMPLE: While Far-Left House Democrats continue to push unconstitutional gun control measures, House Republicans will stand for the Second Amendment right of all Americans.