New York governor wants to ban assault weapons

Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York has jumped on the gun-control band wagon and is proposing tighter gun control in the state. New York has already banned several types of assault weapons, but Cuomo has characterized the existing law as having “more holes than Swiss cheese,” and he wants to broaden the number of guns and magazines prohibited under New York state law.

“No one hunts with an assault rifle. No one needs 10 bullets to kill a deer,” Cuomo said. “End the madness now! The tragic events of just the last few weeks in Newtown, Conn., and West Webster, N.Y., have indelibly taught us guns can cut down small children, firefighters and policemen in a moment.”

A deal within the New York legislature is expected to be reached very soon. “Our goal is to try to get something done by the end of this week,” said State Senate Republican leader Dean Skelos.

In addition to cracking down on assault weapons, Cuomo is proposing follow-ups for owners of handgun licenses to make sure they are still qualified to possess a gun based on criminal and other records. He would also increase sentences for gun crimes including for using guns on school property and gang activities. On top of all that, he wants to implement expansive use of mental health records in background checks of gun buyers. “I think what the nation is saying now after Connecticut, what people in New York are saying is ‘Do something, please,’ ” Cuomo told reporters.