Federal Circuit Court Affirms Injunction Against Portions of NY Concealed Carry Law

Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed a federal injunction against portions of New York’s poorly named “Concealed Carry Improvement Act.” This ruling follows several previous court actions on the case, including a GOA and GOF secured preliminary injunction from the Federal District Court in November 2022. 

The following provisions on New York’s law are enjoined under this ruling: 

• Requiring applicants to disclose social media accounts for review. 
• The restrictions on carrying on private property that is accessible to the public, as well as the restriction on carrying in houses of worship. 

Frustratingly, the Second Circuit failed to faithfully apply Bruen, having left the “good moral character requirement” in place for those seeking a concealed carry permit. Additionally, much of the Court’s opinion reads like a repudiation of Bruen, finding ways to claim its holdings don’t apply here. 

Erich Pratt, GOA’s Senior Vice President, issued the following statement:     

“Governor Hochul and her cabal in Albany never seem to get the message, and in turn, GOA is proud to have played a major role in rebuking her unconstitutional law. Nevertheless, this was not a total victory, and we will continue the fight until this entire law is sent to the bowels of history where it belongs.”  

Sam Paredes, on behalf of the Board of Directors for the Gun Owners Foundation, added:    

“It’s encouraging that the Court blocked the intrusive social media provisions, but just as intrusive are the processes needed to confirm someone is ‘of good moral character,’ which the Court has inexplicably chosen to uphold. Frustratingly, much of this Court’s opinion reads like an insubordinate rebuke of the Supreme Court, which is a disgrace and cannot be allowed to stand. We are weighing action at the nation’s High Court.”  

GOA spokesmen are available for interviews.  Gun Owners of America is a nonprofit grassroots lobbying organization dedicated to protecting the right to keep and bear arms without compromise. GOA represents over two million members and activists. For more information, visit GOA’s Press Center.